Written by AMA staff (01/1997); Reformatted by JS (11/2005, 02/2010); Updated by JS (04/2020)
Bob Violett
Care and perfection are hallmarks of Bob Violett Models (BVM), a company owned and operated by Hall of Fame recipient Robert Violett. Recognized as a leader and innovator in the development and production of ducted-fan models, BVM now embraces the field of turbofan-engine-powered models as well. The care and perfection required by Violett in the development and manufacture of the BVM models also reveals his strong sense of being an advocate of safety in aeromodeling.
From his modeling experience as a child, Violett carried this love into adult life. He served as a pilot in the US Navy during Vietnam. This experience included A-4s and F-7 Crusaders. Upon completion of his Navy tour, he became a pilot for Eastern Airlines. From that point, he took an early retirement and formed BVM.
Working with another individual in the 1970s, Violett developed a ducted-fan unit. This was used to fly the Sundowner, a model incorporating an exposed ducted fan. Later, a successful model of the A-4 Skyhawk became a reality.
For a number of years, Violett has been active in the competition arena. This has included Pattern, Scale, and Pylon activities. Early Pylon work included the development of the Bob Cat and many championship titles, including being an international FAI champion. Again, his attention to detail and expert flying skills proved valuable. More recent competitive victories can be found in Scale Masters and Top Gun Scale events. Recognizing early ducted fan models as very noisy, Violett worked to produce much quieter versions. This work led to fan models that operate efficiently at very low sound levels.
Violett has authored articles relating to construction techniques and innovative developments in his publication “Inlet.” Originally from Maryland, he acted in the capacity of directing contests in the Washington/Maryland/Virginia area. The Academy is pleased to present Bob Violett as a 1996 Hall of Fame recipient.
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