Leland M. Nicolai received his aerospace engineering degrees from the University of Washington (B.S.), the University of Oklahoma (M.S.), and the University of Michigan (Ph.D.). His aircraft design experience includes 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Colonel, and 32 years in industry. He is an AIAA Fellow and recipient of the AIAA Aircraft Design Award, the SAE Clarence L. Kelly Johnson Aerospace Vehicle Design and Development Award, The Engineers Council Clarence L. Kelly Johnson Skunk Works Award, and the Lockheed Martin Aero Star Award. He served as a Lockheed Martin Fellow at the Skunk Works and is the author of numerous publications, including Fundamentals of Aircraft and Airship Design, Volume 1 and Fundamentals of Aircraft and Airship Design, Volume 2