A pioneer of model aviation has passed away (Roger Stamm, 1925–2009)

In 1942, Roger Stamm was the president of the MG Lausanne. Since the president of the MG Vevey was almost constantly at the border, we were happy to be able to fly together with our experienced comrades from Lausanne. That’s how my long friendship with Roger began. From 1943 to 1950, Roger organized an annual model aircraft camp in Verbier, where we learned slope flying (still without a magnet) and strengthened our camaraderie. Roger was the first to design low-wing models for both slope flying and powered flight. In 1945, Roger Stamm and Philippe Jaquet wrote an article about “flying boards” with an autostable airfoil. As soon as we began experimenting with airfoils featuring a concave underside in 1946, our models became competitive for slope flying, high-altitude launches, and powered flight. In addition to model flying, Stamm studied at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He became a chemical engineer, then earned a Dr. phil. II. In 1948, he was an assistant to Prof. Goldstein. Roger had me carry out the synthesis of nitromethane. We needed this substance

as an additive for the fuel in our diesel engines. During the design competition for motorized models, we tested the new mixture: takeoff after the first start, higher pitch, successful ground launch, then a half-loop, followed by a crash resulting in total destruction. We had demonstrated that the nitromethane was effective.

After graduating, Roger worked for two years in advertising at a pharmaceutical company, then was hired by Ciba in Basel. For years, he attended our competitions. He then built F1B models, and later RC models.

Shortly before Christmas, he sent me some documents on tailless models that I needed for a presentation. A month later, Roger passed away following surgery.

Roger was not only a scientific model aviator and a loyal friend; he also had a happy family. Our thoughts are with his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Maurice Bodmer

Standing, from left to right: G. Zaugg (MG Lugano), G. Schneider (MG LS), M. Bodmer (VV), Benjamin Porta (LS), Marcel Stamm, Philippe Jaquet (LS), Roger Stamm with a Merlin model (LS).
Seated: Fausto Ossola (Lugano), XY (Lugano).
(Photo: Maurice Dufey)

Three months later, Philippe Jaquet disappeared along with two friends while sailing his dinghy on Lake Geneva.