Frank Piasecki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Nicolas Piasecki
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Piasecki in the early 1950s
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| Born | October 24, 1919 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | February 11, 2008 (aged 88) Haverford, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Alma mater | New York University |
| Occupation | Helicopter designer |
| Known for | Designing tandem rotor helicopters |
| Spouse(s) | Vivian Weyerhaeuser Piasecki |
| Children | Nicole, Frederick, John, Lynn, Frank, Michael, and Gregory |
Frank Nicolas Piasecki (October 24, 1919 – February 11, 2008) was an American engineer. He was a pioneer in helicopter aviation. Piasecki is famous for designing helicopters with two main rotors, called tandem rotors. He also came up with the idea of a "compound helicopter." This type of helicopter uses a special propeller to help it fly faster.
Early Life and Education
Frank Piasecki was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father was a tailor who had moved from Poland. Even while he was in high school, Piasecki worked for companies that made autogyros. Autogyros are aircraft that look a bit like helicopters.
He later studied mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. He then earned his bachelor's degree from New York University. After college, he worked as an engineer for the Platt-LePage Aircraft Company. There, he helped with their XR-1 project, which was a helicopter with two rotors.
In 1940, Piasecki started his own company called PV Engineering Forum. He started it with Harold Venzie, a classmate from the University of Pennsylvania. He built a small helicopter called the PV-2. It had one seat and one main rotor. He flew it for the first time on April 11, 1943. The United States Navy was very impressed by this helicopter. Because of this, they gave Piasecki a contract to develop more aircraft.
Building Helicopters
In 1946, PV Engineering changed its name to Piasecki Helicopter Corporation. Frank Piasecki was a key leader there. However, after some disagreements within the company, he left Piasecki Helicopter in 1955. He then started a new company called Piasecki Aircraft Company.
At Piasecki Aircraft, he continued to invent new types of aircraft. Some of his notable projects included:
- The Piasecki 16H-1: This was the world's first "shaft-driven compound helicopter." It used a special propeller to help it fly faster.
- The PA-59K/VZ-8P Flying Geep: This unique aircraft was also known as the AirGeep. It was designed to fly low to the ground.
- The Piasecki PA-97 Helistat: This was a huge aircraft designed to lift very heavy loads.
- The Piasecki X-49: This was an experimental helicopter that combined features of a helicopter and an airplane.
Family Life
Frank Piasecki married Vivian Weyerhaeuser on December 20, 1958. They had seven children together: Nicole, Frederick, John, Lynn, Frank, Michael, and Gregory.
Today, his son John W. Piasecki is the President and CEO of Piasecki Aircraft. Another son, Fred W. Piasecki, is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Technology Officer. His daughter Nicole Piasecki also worked in aviation. She was a vice president at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Later Years and Legacy
Frank Piasecki passed away at his home on February 11, 2008. He was 88 years old. He died from a heart attack after having several strokes.
Piasecki received many important awards for his work:
- In 1979, he received the Philip H. Ward, Jr. Medal from The Franklin Institute.
- In 1986, President Ronald Reagan gave him the National Medal of Technology. This is the highest award for technology in the United States.
- In 2005, he received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
- He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2002.
See also
- Boeing Helicopters
- List of Polish Americans
