Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Spotlight: Aeronautical engineer Igor Sikorsky was born on this date in 1889. Sikorsky, who was born in Kiev and immigrated to the US, built and was test pilot for the first multi-motored airplane (1913) and the first successful modern helicopter (1940). The helicoptor was equipped with a single three-blade rotor powered by a 75 horsepower (56kW) engine.

Quote: "The helicopter approaches closer than any other [vehicle] to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of the flying horse and the magic carpet." — Igor Sikorsky

Today in History:

• Constitutional Convention: convened in Philadelphia (1787)
• A New Hope: episode IV, the original Star Wars, opened (1977)
• Hands Across America: millions form line to aid hungry, homeless (1986)

Today's Birthdays:

• Ralph Waldo Emerson: philosopher, transcendentalist (1803-1882)
• Robert Ludlum: spy novelist, e.g., The Bourne Identity (1927-2001)
• Frank Oz: voice of Yoda and Miss Piggy (61)
• Mike Myers: portrayer of Austin Powers (42)

Word of the Day:  torque: a rotational or twisting force; as a helicopter's rotor turns, it produces reaction torque which often makes the craft spin. There is usually a small rotor near the tail to compensate for this.   (© )