Helicopter, Drone, UAM Development History

Helicopters, drones, and UAM (Urban Air Mobility) are rotary-wing aircraft that utilize rotating blades for flight. Today, I will summarize the history of rotary-wing aircraft, focusing on key moments. 

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Early Beginnings

The history of helicopters can be traced back to Leonardo da Vinci's sketches. Among the many machines he invented, there was also a helicopter-like device that utilized spiral rotation to achieve flight in the air.

helicopter-sketch

Development

The development of helicopters has been relatively slower compared to other aircraft due to their complex structure and the relatively difficult analysis of aerodynamics. Early helicopters went through different developmental stages and it was in 1942 when Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation introduced the first production model of a helicopter, known as the R-4, which resembled the modern helicopter we are familiar with today.

 

These helicopters were all powered by reciprocating engines, where the pistons moved back and forth to generate power. However, in 1955, the SE-3130 helicopter became the first to incorporate a turbine engine. The introduction of turbine engines marked a significant milestone in helicopter development as it provided a substantial increase in available energy. With more energy available during flight, helicopters were able to perform a wider range of missions and transport heavier payloads.

Present 

Currently, the most widely used helicopter worldwide is the UH-60 model, also known as the Black Hawk, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. It was developed in 1974 and has been deployed in approximately 4,000 units.

UH-60

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in drones and UAM. These aircraft often utilize multiple rotors, typically four, instead of a single rotating wing. They are involved in various applications such as aerial photography, agriculture, and package delivery, and are expected to continue advancing and playing a significant role in our daily lives.

drone

In conclusion, helicopters have evolved to perform a wide range of missions and currently exist in forms that are accessible and capable of assisting in everyday tasks.