The Long Island Air & Space Hall of Fame proudly announced the inductees for its 2024 class. This annual event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum honors individuals with significantly advanced aeronautical and technological achievements. This year’s ceremony celebrated the incredible contributions of Dayton T. Brown Sr. & Jr: pioneering aeronautical engineers who founded Dayton T. Brown, Inc. nearly 75 years ago.

Jim Kelly, President of Dayton T. Brown, Inc., attended this year’s ceremony on June 10th and accepted on behalf of Dayton T. Brown, Sr. and Dayton T. Brown, Jr.

Dayton T. Brown, Sr., a true visionary and pioneer, dedicated his life to advancing aeronautical engineering. He graduated from MIT in 1921 and joined Naval Aircraft Factory in charge of the first Navy dive-bomber. In 1928 he became Chief Engineer of Detroit Aircraft of which Lockheed was a division. In 1933 he became General Manager and VP in charge of Engineering of the Brewster Aeronautical Corporation where he designed a pre-World War II fighter the “Brewster Buffalo”. He then joined the Grumman Corporation where he designed the Tadpole and the Kitten. Model replicas of the Brewster Buffalo and Kitten are on display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. After that impressive work, he started Dayton T. Brown, Inc. in 1950 which continued to support the aerospace industry, manufacturing and testing aircraft components. From his groundbreaking work on the Brewster Buffalo to his founding of Dayton T. Brown Inc., his contributions have paved the way for innovation in aviation.

Dayton T. Brown, Jr., who stills serves as Chairman of the company, followed in his father's footsteps, and joined Dayton T. Brown, Inc. in 1951 after studying engineering and business in college as well as serving in the Army. He was essentially working with his dad right from the beginning of Dayton T. Brown, Inc. When his dad passed away in 1978, Dayton T. Brown, Jr. stepped in as CEO and has led the company ever since. His remarkable leadership and dedication to excellence has expanded the company into a high-tech, multi-divisional corporation, specializing in engineering, testing, logistics, publications, and mission systems. Under his leadership, the company has significantly expanded its aerospace presence and is achieving remarkable success supporting some of the most demanding and critical programs in space exploration, military defense, and national security as well as the emerging eVTOL market and many others. His vision for the future continues to drive the company’s success as we approach the 75th year anniversary of Dayton T. Brown, Inc.

“We are very fortunate to have founders and leaders like these men,” commented Jim Kelly. “May their legacy continue to inspire future generations of aerospace enthusiasts and innovators as well as all past, present, and future Dayton T. Brown, Inc. employees.”

About the Long Island Air & Space Hall of Fame

Each year the Long Island Air & Space Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have played a major role in advancing aeronautical and technological achievement. Support of this program assists the Cradle of Aviation Museum in their efforts to educate school children throughout the region on the role that Long Island has played and will continue to play in aerospace history.

About Dayton T. Brown, Inc.

Dayton T. Brown, Inc. (DTB) has built a reputation for excellence and superior customer service for over 70 years. As a leader in testing, engineering, logistics, technical publications, and military mission systems, DTB is nationally respected and recognized. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Bohemia, NY, the company now operates through three complementary divisions: Engineering & Test, Technical Services, and Mission Systems.