Charles Kaman attended Catholic University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of aeronautical engineering degree in 1940. Following college, he worked for the Hamilton Standard Division of United Aircraft. He recognized the difficulties of early helicopter flight, and set about to correct the problems of lack of power, instability, and the dynamic stress on parts and systems. In December 1945, with $2,000 in cash from two close friends and his servo-flap controlled rotor system design, Charles Kaman founded his company. Thirteen months later, his first helicopter, the K-125, made its first flight. Kaman's first production helicopter, the K-225, was introduced in 1949. In 1951, a K-225 was fitted with a gas turbine engine and became the world's first turbine powered helicopter. Other innovative develop- ments flowed from Kaman's company, such as the first remotely controlled helicopter and the first all-composite rotor blade. In the 1950s and 1960s, Kaman Corporation became a significant producer of military helicopters. The U.S. Navy purchased the HOK-1 for utility work and the HTK-1 for training. In 1958, the Air Force took delivery of the H-43 Husky, a helicopter designed for rescue and airfield firefighting. The H-43 set numerous rate-of-climb records and an altitude record of 32,840 feet. It was better known as the only military helicopter to go through its entire service life with no loss of life or accidents attributed to the aircraft's design. The most prolific helicopter designed by Kaman was the Navy's H-2 series. The SH-2 Seasprite has over one million hours in service with the U.S. Navy. Its newest version, the SH-2G Super Seasprite multi-mission helicopter has entered international service in Egypt, New Zealand, and Australia.
Inducted in 1999.
Portrait Location: Not Currently on Floor