|
|
|
|
|
PiAC's founder, Frank Piasecki, is one of the original inventors of the helicopter, and most famous for the invention of the tandem helicopter, the forerunner to today's CH-46 and CH-47 helicopter. After selling his original company to Boeing, Frank Piasecki left to form Piasecki Aircraft Corporation to continue research and development of advanced Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technologies. These efforts resulted in the successful development and flight testing of many innovative experimental aircraft, such as: the "Sea-Bat" VTOL Drone, the "Aerial Geep" flying car, the "Ring-Tail" high speed compound helicopter, and Heli-Stat hybrid heavy lift aircraft. Frank Piasecki has been awarded over 25 patents in the aerospace field.
In recognition of Mr. Piasecki's contributions to the development of the U.S. helicopter industry, President Reagan in 1986 awarded Mr. Piasecki the country's highest technical honor, the National Medal of Technology. In March 2005, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum awarded Mr. Piasecki its highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award Trophy for his distinguished career as a pioneer in helicopter design and development, and for his lifelong commitment to aerospace.
During the last 10 years, PiAC has executed three major Government contracts for development of the Vectored Thrust Ducted Propeller (VTDP) Compound Helicopter technology as a result of the original SBIR Phase I contract. These included Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) contract for preliminary design of BW/VTDP and H-60/VTDP Compound Helicopters and detail design, fabrication, and ground testing of a full scale flight worthy VTDP. The VTDP test program was successfully completed in June 2000 within budget, and all technical objectives were met or exceeded. The VTDP Program was then competitively selected for a follow-on Navy Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) flight demonstration. The ATD program included design, fabrication, and flight demonstration of the X-49A VTDP Compound Helicopter. In May 2004, the Army joined the program and as lead executive agency for rotorcraft technology, took over primary program responsibility, with the Navy providing continuing technical support. The flight demo program is managed by the Aviation Advanced Technology Directorate (AATD).
All major flight critical aircraft fabrication and component qualification test activities have been successfully completed. These include full aircraft and component structural qualification tests and FEA model validation; integrated drive system qualification testing, including spiral bevel gear development and qualification (pattern, load and endurance tests). Performance and flight control characterization ground testing of the full scale (8' dia) Vectored Thrust Ducted Propeller (VTDP) assembly has been completed. The flight test aircraft is approximately 80% complete final assembly. All qualification tests to date have been successfully completed on time and within cost. The aircraft will be ready to enter into the ground and flight test phase by the end of the year.
Vectored Thrust Ducted Propeller (VTDP) compound helicopter technology is a potential affordable means of upgrading existing and future helicopter performance, improving survivability, and reducing operational costs. DoD is expected to invest approximately $40 billion over the next 25 years recapitalizing its current helicopter fleet. Successful completion of the VTDP Compound Helicopter ATD flight demonstration will provide an option to DoD to dramatically expend existing helicopter capability as part of this recapitalization and provides a technology option for further rotorcraft platforms.
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
P.O. Box 360
Second Street West
Essington, PA 19029
Phone: (610) 521-5700
Fax: (610) 521-5935
Website: http://www.piasecki.com/
