The Pioneers of Helicopter Innovation exhibit honors the early innovators of the helicopter industry in the United States including Igor Sikorsky, Frank Piasecki, Arthur Young, Harold Pitcairn and Stanley Hiller. It illustrates some of the ways their inventiveness transformed how humans fly. Via graphics, movies, and interactive models, visitors learn about their contributions to aviation and how these innovators overcame difficult technical challenges using engineering and experimentation to make helicopters safe and practical.
Original artifacts associated with these innovators are on display. The displays rotate, but may contain items like the slide rules of Juan De La Cierva and Igor Sikorsky that were used in the design process for their historic aircraft of the 1930’s and 1940’s.
The Pioneers of Helicopter Innovation exhibit is located in Lee Douglas Pioneer Hall, which celebrates the spirit of innovation. This area is named after Lee Douglas, former Vice-President of Engineering of Boeing Vertol and a significant contributor to the development of the CH-47 Chinook.