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Mr. R.W. Prouty is one of a rare breed--a helicopter aerodynamicist. For almost four decades Mr. Prouty gained and subsequently used his rotary-wing expertise at Hughes Helicopters (now Boeing) Sikorsky Aircraft Bell Helicopter Lockheed and back to Hughes before retiring in 1987.
During that time Mr. Prouty's work ranged from preliminary design to performance and flying-qualities analysis to wind-tunnel and flight testing. His contributions to the helicopter industry led the American Helicopter Society to name him an Honorary Fellow in 1983. Mr. Prouty holds a Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Washington.
Now an independent consultant Mr. Prouty continues to unravel the mysteries of helicopter flight to others through college courses private consulting and publications. A columnist for Rotor & Wing International since 1979 Mr. Prouty has also authored a college textbook a manuscript for the UK's prestigious Jane's Publishing Co. and an esteemed trio of publications on Helicopter Aerodynamics from Rotor & Wing.
Mr. Prouty's contributions to the understanding of rotor wing flight are legendary within the aviation community. In addition to the volume of work from his monthly columns in Rotor & Wing International his writings are considered a valuable resource within the industry. | 