Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
I am pleased to have the honour of presenting the 18th Henson and Stringfellow Memorial Lecture. The subject of helicopter modelling is certainly appropriate because of the pioneering experiments that Henson and Stringfellow carried out with steam-powered plane models more than 50 years in advance of the Wright brothers. Although true powered flights were not quite achieved, these models were notable for excellence in overall design, the efficiency of their small steam engines, and their ultimate influence in later developments that culminated in the first successful aeroplane. Although not as well known, models were also extensively employed in the early development of the helicopter and have since become almost indispensable for advancing helicopter technology. The main emphasis of this lecture will be devoted to the diverse ways in which small-scale helicopter models are presently employed in advancing this technology. To best accomplish this objective, I have chosen specific examples of helicopter models to illustrate their versatility and wide range of application. The presentation of these models will also serve a secondary purpose—to demonstrate the advanced level of technology that now exists for producing these sophisticated and fascinating models.