Abstract:
This paper describes AHS's vital role in the development of the rotorcraft industry, with particular emphasis on events since 1990. It includes first-hand accounts of the formation of the Society, how it matured and evolved, and the particular influences that compelled change. It describes key events which occurred during various stages of the Society's growth, including the formation of its technical committees, the evolution of the AHS Annual Forum and technical specialists' meetings, and the creation and evolution of the Society's publications. Featured prominently are accounts of AHS's role in pursuing a combined government, industry and academia approach to rotorcraft science and technology. Also featured is the creation in 1965 of the Army-NASA Agreement for Joint Participation in Aeronautics Technology, the establishment of the U.S. Army Rotorcraft Centers of Excellence, the National Rotorcraft Technology Center (NRTC), the inauguration of the Congressional Rotorcraft Caucus and its support for the U.S. defense industrial base for rotorcraft, the battle for the survival of NASA aeronautics and critical NASA subsonic ground test facilities, and the launching of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST).