Frank N. Piasecki (1919-2008)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Aviation pioneer Piasecki developed and flew the 2nd helicopter in the US and the world's 1st tandem rotor helicopter, initiating the 1st practical use of rotorcraft in the 1940s. His original company, started here, now a division of Boeing, is a world leader in helicopter production. In 1956, he founded Piasecki Aircraft Corp., continuing development of innovative advanced rotorcraft. Awarded the National Medal of Technology in 1986.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Frank N. Piasecki was an aviation pioneer who flew the second successful helicopter in the United States and invented the world's first tandem-rotor helicopter, making rotorcraft genuinely practical in the 1940s. The Philadelphia company he founded here evolved into a division of Boeing and a world leader in helicopter production, while his later firm kept pushing the frontier of advanced rotorcraft. He received the National Medal of Technology in 1986.
Why it matters
Piasecki's tandem-rotor designs became the backbone of heavy-lift military and civilian helicopters, placing Philadelphia at the center of a transformative chapter in American flight.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.1 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center1.3 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center1.3 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer1.3 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center1.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall1.4 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- The Universal Sphere0.4 mi away
- Rocky Steps0.6 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.6 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.8 mi away
- Philly Gun Range0.9 mi away · North Percy Street
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.9 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Burger King1.2 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory1.2 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe1.2 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'1.2 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca1.2 mi away
- Lamberti Pizza & Market1.3 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.7 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- The Notary Hotel0.7 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.7 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.8 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.8 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Frank N. Piasecki
Themes & tags
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