 |
1960 |
This rotorcraft is tested by NASA researchers to see
how well it flies. Its wings tilt up so it can fly like a helicopter. When
the wings are flat, it flies like an airplane. |
|
1962 |
This very big helicopter is designed by Igor Sikorsky.
It is used to lift large, heavy objects like trucks. |
|
1966 |
NASA finishes all flight tests for the XV-3 rotorcraft.
The flight tests prove that this new tiltrotor aircraft can safely fly.
|
|
1968
|
Mil Mi-12 "Homer" (also called the Mil V-12)
The world's largest helicopter is built and first flown. It has lifted a
load weighing 40,204 kilograms (88,634 pounds) as high as 2,255 meters (7,398
feet). |
|
1973 |
NASA researchers test this gyroplane. It is a new type
of autogiro. It uses its wings and the back propeller to fly like an airplane.
It uses the rotor to slowly float to the ground for a landing.
|
|
1976 |
NASA begins flight tests of the XV-15 tiltrotor. This
rotorcraft is larger than the XV-3 tiltrotor. |
|
1976 |
NASA researchers will flight test many different kinds
of rotors. The tests will tell us what kind of rotors will be the best for
certain kinds of rotorcraft. |
|
1981 |
NASA finishes the flight test of the XV-15 tiltrotor.
The tiltrotor passes the tests successfully. The XV-15 is a good rotorcraft
model. A new type of rotorcraft will now be built using the XV-15 as a model.
|
|
1984 |
For the next 10 years, NASA studies helicopters. NASA
researchers use computers to learn more about helicopter vibration and noise.
They learn how to make helicopters fly better. They also learn how to make
helicopters fly quietly. |
|
1986 |
This special rotorcraft has wings and jet engines so
it can fly like an airplane. It also has rotorblades so it can fly like
a helicopter. This rotorcraft has a new kind of rotor. This new rotor also
helps it to hover quietly and fly just as slowly as helicopters.
|
