April 10, 2009

Helicopter Donation Offers Serious Engineering Possibilities

It may remind you of the remote-controlled plane your dad gave you when you were ten, but the diminutive helicopter Cal Poly received on April 2 from Northrop Grumman is no toy.

Rather, the $200,000 unmanned Yamaha RMAX^TM Helicopter will provide engineering students and faculty with a wealth of serious applied research opportunities.

Cal Poly is one of only three universities in the nation to receive the quarter-scale aircraft from Northrop Grumman. According to aerospace engineering professor Rob McDonald, the helicopter will be used for multidisciplinary robotics research, and senior and master's projects. Computer and electrical engineering professor Lynne Slivovsky hopes to undertake projects that focus on search and rescue missions using video telepresence or virtual reality software.

In presenting the helicopter, Frank Flores, vice president of Engineering and Programs in Northrop Grumman's Strike and Surveillance Systems Division, said, "Northrop Grumman and Cal Poly share a passion to develop the next generation of technical leaders for our nation. We want this donation to inspire students."

Northrop Grumman's gift represents the company's strong ties to Cal Poly Engineering, which includes funding scholarships and research grants. The campus is also a company favorite for student recruitment.

"San Luis Obispo students come ready to work," notes Flores. "They've had so much hands-on experience already and are really well-prepared right out of school."