The Invention and Development of Rotorcraft

Date : Sat., September 26, 2009 10:15 am to 4:30 pm Category : Butcher History Institute

The story of rotary wing flight is one of innovation and heroism, in equal measure. At a time when airplanes were spanning the globe as luxury liners of the air, a small group of visionary engineers set out to develop aircraft for a variety of demanding missions requiring precision control far beyond anything ever envisioned. These pioneering innovators overcame technical challenges with breakthrough designs, careful (and fearless) testing, and sometimes, many times, being willing to try things when others knew that they would fail.

The Wachman Center, in partnership with the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, is presenting this seminar for high school teachers that tells the story of the American rotorcraft industry through the innovations that made vertical flight a reality, and then a necessity, in carrying out vital military and civilian missions. The program will develop curricular materials for high school history, economics, and science classes that will be made available free of charge to teachers worldwide.