Robert “Bob” Billo McIntyre: Innovator in Canadian Aviation

1913–1985
Prospect Cemetery 
Section 23 Lot 312

Robert Billo McIntyre was a groundbreaking aeronautical engineer whose career made a significant impact on Canada’s aviation industry. After graduating with honours in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, McIntyre earned a Massey Fellowship to attend Cambridge University, where he completed advanced studies in aeronautical engineering and learned to fly with the Cambridge University Air Squadron.

Returning to Canada in 1938, McIntyre lectured in Canada’s first aeronautical engineering course before joining the manufacturing firm Massey-Harris during World War II to produce wings for the legendary de Havilland Mosquito, a wooden fighter-bomber nicknamed the “Wooden Wonder.” In 1942, he became Project Engineer for the Mosquito program at de Havilland Canada, overseeing production that reached 80 aircraft per month.  

Post-war, McIntyre led engineering teams behind several iconic aircraft: the Chipmunk trainer, Beaver, Otter and Caribou. He supervised adaptation of the Twin Otter for commercial use and founded the Special Products and Applied Research division – later SPAR Aerospace – creator of the Canadarm for NASA’s Space Shuttle.

McIntyre’s vision extended to regional aviation, guiding development and global promotion of the Dash 7 and Dash 8, aircraft that revolutionized short takeoff and landing (STOL) travel. He retired as Director of Market Development in 1979, but continued consulting until facing illness in 1985. McIntyre died September 23, 1985, aged 72. His legacy lives on in Canadian bush planes, commuter aircraft and space robotics, a testament to innovation and perseverance.  

Sources: 
•  Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame – Robert Billo McIntyre 
•  University of Toronto Engineering Alumni – McIntyre Biography 
•  Mount Pleasant Group – Robert McIntyre  
•  SPAR Aerospace – Company History (Canadarm Origins) – Wikipedia