Evening star., 1952-05-16
Pace Expresses Hope
Industry Can Produce
Mi|itaryConvetip|ane

AILly otCIetdIy race ldSC night
said he hopes it will only be a
matter of time before the Ameri-
can aircraft industry is producing
a military 'convertiplane."
This would combine the features
Of the helicopter and the fixed
wing airplane.
He made the statement during
an address at the Honors Night
banquet of the American Helicop-
ter Society, held in the Hotel
Washington. 1t was featured by
presentation of awards to persons
and groups who have distinguished
themselves in the helicopter field.
Secretary Pace said the con-
vertiplane would prove to be a
highly valuable addition to cur
rent aircraft requirements. He
explained it has not yet reached
a stage of development in which
1t has proved its military utility
I'VE are not positive, at this
point. what its ultimate capabili-
ties might be-" he added But,
from the military viewpoint, the
concept of an aircraft which can
fly as a helicopter and fixed wing
airplane both is an exciting one
and offers great military promise
to the ground fighter"
Cites Role in Korea.
In discussing the Army's greater
trend toward mobility, especially
by air transport of troops, men,
supplies and wounded, Secretary
Pace paid tribute to the part
played by the helicopter in Korea.
I'VE in the Army" he said, "are
convinced that mobility is a key
to the solution of our major prob
lem: To convince potential ag-
gressors that an attack on theI
free world would end in their de-
feat. Korea has already demon
strated to the Communist world
our ability to move fighting men
and their equipment to a remote
area along our global defensive
periphery in sufficient strength
and in sufficient time to contain
his thruStS.
We must continue to maintain
the superiority in mobility we now
possess. And this means we must
continue, with the help of the
Navy and Air Force, to plan for
more and more air mobility in
the future"
On the eve of his departure to
take over the SHAPE command
In Europe, Gen. Matthew B. Ridg-
way had kind words for the
"twirlybirds' back in Korea.
Teamwork Contribution.
In message to the society, the
retiring chief Of the Far East
Command expressed great respect
for the designers. manufacturers,
pilots and maintenance crews of
American helicopters.
Together they have made
proud contribution, nowhere more
conspicuous than in Korea" Gen.
RidgWay'S message said.
One of the principal awards
given last night was the DR.. Alex
ander Klemin Trophy, highest
honor awarded by the society. It
went to Louis Breguet. 70. pioneer
French aircraft designer and
builder. who has been active in
the industry for As years. He re-
celved the trophy "in recognition
of his contributions and continu-
ing efforts in the field of rotary
wing aircraft"
Kossler Award Presented.
Another, the Capt. w. j. Koss-
Ter Award. went to the Army Field
Forces for development of GER
tain techniques. equipment and
organization. These have made
possible the Army's record in use
of helicopters for evacuation work
IN Korea, it was pointed out.
This award was accepted for the
military group by Col. Jack L.
Marinelli. chief of the Aviation
Section Headquarters, Army Field
Forces, Mort Monroe, Va. The
award was founded in honor of
q Coast Guard officer who pio-
neered in use of helicopters.
Honorary fellowships in the So
ciety were conferred on Lawrence
D. Bell, president of Bell Aircraft
Corp. and Bernard L. Whelan,
general manager of the Sikorsky
Division, United Aircraft Corp.
Thomas R. Pierpoint, service
manager of the Piasecki Helicop-
ter Corp, was elected new presi-