He had served in the US Army Air Corps and also worked for the Boeing Aircraft Company as a test pilot.
While at Boeing during the 1940s, he worked on high-altitude oxygen systems, which led him to investigate aircraft pressurization.
[1][2][3][4] The Alcor is named for the star in Ursa Major and was optimized for flight in weak mountain wave soaring conditions.
The cockpit also incorporates a solar heater to keep the canopy clear of ice condensation at high altitude and also provide pilot warmth.
[1][2][3] The Alcor was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration as completed in 1968, but reportedly first flew in 1973.