Tom began his interest in aircraft aerodynamics as the research and
development head at Swearingen Aircraft in 1965 which became a division of
Fairchild. The company manufactured the Metroliner and Merlin twin
turboprop aircraft.
From 1974 to 1994 he served in various
capacities including Designer, Chief Engineer, VP Engineering , Senior VP,
and Chief Scientist at The Dee Howard Co. which was an Aircraft Mod and
Manufacturing Center that provided aircraft completions, avionics, thrust
reverser and nacelle design and manufacturing, overhaul and repair
services to airlines, cargo carriers, and commercial aircraft. DHC became
a division of Alenia and was eventually acquired by Singapore Technologies
Aerospace Ltd.
During his tenure at DHC, Tom Finch was head of the
UPS project converting 727 QF air freighters to Rolls Royce power. The
center engine inlet duct was changed in aerodynamic profile to correctly
feed the engine, and patented by Tom. In addition, external aerodynamic
changes associated with all three engines reduced the drag of the aircraft
by 18 counts. The result was a very efficient aircraft that used much less
fuel and could fly into and out of noise sensitive airports at
night.
Tom was in charge of the engineering and certification of
the 747-3G1 Flying Command Post performed at DHC, which was said by Boeing
to be the most extensively modified aircraft in the world, consuming 1.9
million man hours.
Tom was also responsible for developing and
patenting an aerodynamic system for the 20 Series Learjet, that increased
range from 1250 NM to 1800 NM. The jet’s previous most efficient speed was
.72 mach. After Tom’s changes, the most efficient speed was increased to
.79 mach.
Tom’s expertise spans impressive areas including:
Aviation, Aerodynamics, Kinematics, Intellectual Property, Engines &
Power plants, Electro-Mechanical, Hydro-Mechanical, Airframe/Structural,
Electro-Hydraulic, Automotive & Motorcycle plus Towed Equipment,
Acoustics, Audio & Related Equipment, Musical Instruments, and
Architecture.
Tom was inducted into the Texas Scientific Hall of
Fame in 2002. He received the Rolls Royce award for contributions to the
development of the TAY engine in 1989. He also received a UPS award for
development of the 727 QF Quiet Freighter in 1992, and has been invited to
join the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust.
Tom Finch is a remarkable
engineer and a loyal motorcycle enthusiast who logs about 45,000 miles a
year riding his bike/XTc Trailer rig all over the U.S. and
Canada.
Tom is currently President of TEFTEC® Technologies,
Texelent® Industries, and has obtained about a dozen U. S. and several
foreign patents. He is also the founder of The TEFTEC Corporation where he
patented several technological developments.
Tom’s patents already
issued can be viewed by clicking here.