Several pioneers have left indelible marks on the development and evolution of the helicopter industry. Here are the main individuals who played pivotal roles:

1. Igor Sikorsky: Often regarded as the “father of helicopters,” the Russian-American inventor and aviation pioneer developed the VS-300, one of the first successful American helicopters. He later founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, which produced the R-4, the world’s first production helicopter.
2. Juan de la Cierva: A Spanish engineer, he’s credited for inventing the autogiro in the early 1920s. Although not a true helicopter, the autogiro had rotating wings and introduced concepts vital for future vertical flight.
3. Paul Cornu: The French inventor is credited with the design and construction of the first helicopter that achieved free flight with a person aboard in 1907. However, the machine had limited control.
4. Arthur M. Young: An American inventor and engineer who worked with Bell Aircraft Corporation, Young played a crucial role in the development of the Bell Model 30, which led to the iconic Bell 47, the first certified civilian helicopter.
5. Heinrich Focke: Co-founder of Focke-Wulf, Focke developed the Focke-Wulf Fw 61, often considered the first operational helicopter. It was flown extensively in the late 1930s.
6. Stanley Hiller, Jr.: An American engineer and entrepreneur, he developed the Hiller 360, one of the first helicopters to receive certification from the Civil Aeronautics Administration. He founded Hiller Aircraft, which made significant contributions to helicopter development.
7. Frank Piasecki: An American engineer and founder of the Piasecki Helicopter Corporation, he developed the PV-2, one of the first successful tandem rotor helicopters, which later led to the development of the CH-47 Chinook.
8. Charles Kaman: Founder of Kaman Aircraft, he was an innovator in the use of rotor control through servo-flaps, a concept that eliminated the need for a tail rotor. His designs led to the development of helicopters like the K-MAX.
9. Oskar von Baumhauer: A Dutch aviation engineer, he played a significant role in the development and understanding of gyroscopic properties, crucial for helicopter stability and control.
10. Nikolai Kamov: A Soviet engineer and founder of the Kamov company, he’s best known for his design of helicopters with coaxial rotors, which are used in many Russian naval helicopters today.

These pioneers, along with countless engineers, test pilots, and innovators, have shaped the helicopter industry’s trajectory, turning a dream of vertical flight into a reality that impacts various sectors, from military and rescue to transportation and agriculture.

We have a wide selection of both civilian and military models to choose from famous helicopter manufacturers such as Aerospatiale, American Eurocopter, Agusta, Bell, Boeing Rotorcraft, Brantly International, Enstrom, Higgins, Hughes, Hiller, Kaman, Lancair, MD, NH Industries, Piasecki, Robinson, Schweizer, Shawnee, Sikorsky and Westland. Helicopter models dating back to the WW II, the Vietnam and Korean War and until the very present are all available. Every wooden scale helicopter model is handcrafted to the most perfect of detail – they are much more than simple model – they are works of art!

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