 The combination of the skills of Baekland and Nebesar made possible the development of what can be considered the forerunner of today's composite aircraft.Merrill put together a team of aircraft designers and builders to put his plan into action.Art Mankey from the Glenn L. Martin Company was Chief Engineer, Walter Chaffee, from Douglas Aircraft, a qualified test, and William Hawley Bowlus of San Fernando, California the designer and builder of gliders and sailplanes since 1911 which were mostly constructed using bent and formed wood.