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Dan Santich Time Line Born: July 28th, 1935 - AMA Number: 24739 |
Dan was in the United States Air Force between 1952 and 1972 and earned a place on the Air Force Modeling Team during each participation. This is when he met Astronaut Frank Borman in Bowie, MD |
In 1968, Dan and his first design (The Rapier) was published in RC Modeler Magazine. This was only the first of many plans that were published in several different RC magazines In 1969 another RC design (The Cardinal). In 1972, Dan retired from the U.S. Air Force and worked as an Aerospace Engineer with Martin Marietta in developing the X-21A lifting body aircraft as well as components for Sky Lab and worked on the first Space Shuttle Progam. He also worked for Howard Hughes' many different companies in developing new missles for the military In 1969 while stationed at Tachikawa Air Base in Japan, he hosted the first Japanese - AmericanInvitational Model Championship. This and other points of exposure has made the name Santich synonymous with excellence in model airplane design and quality in the global RC community 1974 - 1976, Dan was chief designer for Top Flite Models. He also did freelance work for Andrews Model Aircraft, Fox Manufacturing among other companies In the 1980's, he developed the highly successful series called The Hots that was produce by Midwest Models. In 1984, Santich was editor of Model Airplane News. Dan Santich participated in the first unlimited scale racing event that was held in California and Nevada. |
Dan Santich has some of the very few U.S. Trademarks on model airplane designs, including The Hots. Dan Santich is survived by his brother Rudy Santich of San Diego and his two sons, Steven Santich of Pinnacle and James Santich of Pilot Mountain. James and his wife Terrika have a son Logan Santich Dan Santich was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vera Baker Santich |
Kaiser Pass where Dan's Father was a milkman (left) Dan's backyard when he was growing up in Western USA (right) |
Dan |
Diane |
Ruddy |
Dan and Diane (his sister) |
Diane and Granpa Santich |