US: Project RAND established under Douglas Aircraft
On October 1, 1945, Project RAND was established via special contract with Douglas Aircraft Company, starting operations in December. It served as a conduit for scientific and technical data to the US military, led initially by executive Franklin R. Collbohm.
Background
Founding
Project RAND was established on October 1, 1945 under a special contract with the Douglas Aircraft Company and began operations in December. The name derives from 'Research and Development'; its purpose was to pass scientific and technical findings directly to the US military.
Leadership and Background
Franklin R. Collbohm, a senior executive at Douglas, took on the role of first president. The initiative grew out of discussions after the Second World War, particularly between General Henry H. 'Hap' Arnold and Collbohm, to secure scientific expertise for military planning.
Significance
The project focused on long-term strategies for future weapons, intercontinental conflict, and emerging technologies such as satellites. It laid the groundwork for the later independent RAND Corporation in 1948 and had a lasting influence on US Air Force strategy. There are no direct eyewitness accounts; documented contracts and reports serve as the evidence.