Ricardo Dyrgalla (1910-1970), Pioneer of Rocket Development in Argentina.
- Paper number
IAC-08.E4.2.5
- Author
Prof. Pablo de Leon, Argentine Association for Space Technology, Argentina
- Year
2008
- Abstract
One of the most important developers of liquid propellant rocket engines in Argentina was Polish-born Ricardo Dyrgalla. Dyrgalla immigrated to Argentina from the United Kingdom in 1946, where he was studying German weapons during the Second World War. A trained pilot and aeronautical engineer, he understood the concepts of rocket propulsion and was eager to find practical applications to his recently gained knowledge. Dyrgalla reached Argentina during Juan Perón first presidency, a time where technicians from all over Europe were recruited to work in several projects for the recently created Argentine Air Force. Dyrgalla proposed to the Argentine authorities to develop a advanced air-launched weapon, the Tábano, based in a rocket engine of his design, the AN-1. The Argentine Air Force authorized its design and the development of the AN-1 and the Tábano started to take place. The Tábano was tested between 1949 and 1951 and the project was cancelled shortly after, however the AN-1 rocket engine is the first system of its type developed in South America. Dyrgalla developed several rockets systems in Argentina, and was one of the designers of the PROSON, a solid-rocket launcher developed by the Argentine Institute of Science and Technology for the Armed Forces (CITEFA). In the late ‘60s Dyrgalla, and his family decided to relocate in Brazil due mostly to the lack of continuation of rocket development in Argentina. There he worked for the Institute of Aerospace Technology (ITA) until his untimely death in 1970. Ricardo Dyrgalla deserves a special place in history as one of the first rocket developers in South America.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.E4.2.5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.