# M85-7 FDC - 1985 39c Lawrence and Elmer Sperry Airmail
1985 39¢ Lawrence and Elmer Sperry
Issue Date: February 13, 1985
First City: Garden City, New York
This second of two stamps honoring aviation pioneers features Lawrence and Elmer Sperry. Elmer was awarded more than 400 patents. He revolutionized flying with such devices as the gyro compass and speed-direction indicators. Lawrence helped to develop and test such aviation innovations as the automatic pilot, retractable landing gear, and the first guided missile in the form of an aerial torpedo. Elmer died in 1930, and Lawrence drowned in 1931, after crashing on a flight over the English Channel.
1985 39¢ Lawrence and Elmer Sperry
Issue Date: February 13, 1985
First City: Garden City, New York
This second of two stamps honoring aviation pioneers features Lawrence and Elmer Sperry. Elmer was awarded more than 400 patents. He revolutionized flying with such devices as the gyro compass and speed-direction indicators. Lawrence helped to develop and test such aviation innovations as the automatic pilot, retractable landing gear, and the first guided missile in the form of an aerial torpedo. Elmer died in 1930, and Lawrence drowned in 1931, after crashing on a flight over the English Channel.