The Evolution of the U.S. Helicopter Industry.

Abstract

The first production helicopter in the United States was produced by Sikorsky Aircraft (now a division of United Technologies) in 1941 as a direct result of a U.S. Army Air Corps requirement. Helicopter technology advanced rapidly, driven mainly by U.S. Department of Defense research and developmental funding. The business code expanded as commercial operators became more aware of helicopter capabilities made available through advancing technology. Many competitors were attracted to the industry, including a number from overseas. This thesis examines the growth of the U.S. helicopter industry and explores the issues that have led to the success or failure of the industry's competitors. A particular issue addressed is the role the Department of Defense has played in shaping the industry. The work concludes with an analysis of the current state of the industry and the prospects for its future. Keywords: Civil aviation; Production; Aerospace industries; Military-industrial complex; International; Historical review; Acquisition; Research and development; Design and Development; Aerospace manufactures; Aircraft acquisition; Sikorsky aircraft; Hughes Helicopter; Boeing Vertol; and Bell Helicopter.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA154290

Entities

People

  • M. D. Sheil

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Industry
  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Attack Helicopters
  • Commerce
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Health Services
  • Helicopters
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Transport Aircraft
  • United States
  • Vietnam War
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space