Count Giovanni Agusta (1879–1927) came from family of Sicilian origin. He invented the drogue parachute and formed the Agusta company in 1923 (full name Construzioni Aeronautiche Agusta Spa) which became part of AgustaWestland. He died in 1927. His son, Count Domenico Agusta, followed in the family business, AgustaWestland.