The Evolution of the U.S. Helicopter Industry.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA154290 | Open PDF

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 industrys 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.

Author(s):
Sheil, M. D.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
Descriptive Note:
Master's thesis,
Pagination:
0249

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_JCA_4.1.2_Sustain the Force; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_8.2.1_Partner with Governments and Institutions; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_1.4.1_Force Health Protection
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY, REQUIREMENTS, AIR FORCE, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, MILITARY REQUIREMENTS, UNITED STATES, INDUSTRIES, COMMERCE, AIRCRAFT, MANUFACTURING, ACQUISITION, DEFENSE SYSTEMS, PRODUCTION, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, THESES, AEROSPACE SYSTEMS, HELICOPTERS, MILITARY RESEARCH, HISTORY, CIVIL AVIATION, INTERNATIONAL, INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, RESEARCH MANAGEMENT, ARMY, OPERATORS(PERSONNEL), CORPS LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS, OVERSEAS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Helicopters, Economics and Cost Analysis
Keyword(s):
Competition, Military industrial complex
Report Date:
1984 Dec 01