It was in France, in 1907, that the earliest attempts to fly “helicopter” type aircraft took place. It would then take nearly 30 years of research and testing to ensure that this complicated concept reached industrial stage, and 20 years more for the precursors of a future European helicopter industry to emerge. Today, rotary wing aircraft are indispensable in both civilian and military applications. France continues to play a major role in this sector.
Three lectures illustrate the historical and technical aspects of this saga. Their authors, AAE members, are former executives of Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters .
The beginnings of the helicopter industry in France
by Jean-Pierre Dubreuil, former director of Programmes at Eurocopter, AAE member
The helicopter in all its guises…
by Michel Hancart, former technical director at Eurocopter, AAE member
An “Ecureuil” at the top of Everest: story of an unbeatable record
by Bernard Fouques, former director of flight tests at Eurocopter, AAE member
Free admission in the limit of available seats
