It is only in very recent years that the helicopter has begun to find a place in the pattern of Aviation. Although its development has not been so intensive nor so widespread as that of the more conventional fixed wing aircraft it has remained a positive and progressive force running on a parallel course.

The idea of the screw, as a method of propulsion or lifting, is not new, yet at the beginning of the 20th century its use was still restricted to propelling ships. It is therefore not surprising to find that the development of an early helicopter was carried on in a shipyard.