Cunningham attended the University of Texas in Austin, where he received his Ph.D. in 1966. He also served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Saratoga from 1962 to 1964.
Cunningham then started a position at General Dynamics, now known as Lockheed Martin, working there for over 59 years. He became known throughout the world for his areas of aeronautical expertise including development of steady and unsteady aerodynamic methods, aeroelasticity and buffet prediction methods, wind and water tunnel testing for unsteady flows, and flight testing. Cunningham has two aerodynamics-related patents and taught as a Visiting Industrial Professor at SMU, UT Austin, and UT Arlington graduate schools. Some of his notable accomplishments include design and development on the F-16 and other major aircraft, while also providing his aeronautical experience to NATO, NASA, NTSB, and many other institutions.
Cunningham was also recognized on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Wall of Honor and with induction into the Worldwide Lifetime Achievement. He also received the NATO/STO Air Vehicle Technology Panel Excellence Award, NASA Certificate of Recognition for a technology publication, and UT Austin Mechanical Engineering Hall of Fame.