Floyd Carlson: The Legacy and Contributions of One of America's Greatest Rotary Wing Test Pilots

Abstract

Floyd Carlson was a true pioneer and major contributor in the early development and testing of a broad-range of cutting-edge vertical flight aircraft. His contributions are numerous. Starting with the birth of Bell Helicopter in Gardenville, New York (1942-1945), he performed the first flight of every helicopter Bell designed and built until 1960. His biography mirrors the early history of Bell Helicopter. During this time, Carlson became one of the most experienced and renowned helicopter test pilots in the world, testing aircraft which included the Model 30 (1942); Model 47 (1945); HSL-1 Tandem Rotor Helicopter (1953); XV-3 (1955), forerunner of the XV-15 and V-22 Osprey tiltrotors; and XH-40 (1956), prototype of the iconic UH-1 “Huey.” Floyd Carlson’s passion for aviation began with the guidance of his older brother Milton, whose tragic accident and death left an enduring impact on Floyd’s life as he continued to develop and master the techniques of vertical flight.