The “Back to the Future” issue is inspired by the extraordinary accomplishments of our rotary predecessors and the amazing challenges, failures, and successes that built what we know as naval rotary aviation today.  In celebration of our 70^th anniversary, we take a step back with the historical highlights of the firsts of the rotary community and learn more about the adversity rotary aviation faced from the start.  Just seventy years ago, only a brave few supported the potential of helicopter utility in military missions.  Although the effectiveness of rotary craft was quickly proven upon entry to the services, the missions and applications continue to grow and prove more relevant each day.

Our focus articles deliver news about the ideas, tests, and implementation of the latest technologies, concepts, and even ethics behind the latest advancements of rotary aviation.  A few of the articles even take the lead to question and critique the direction we are heading.  I am proud to see, through the eyes of our contributors, that we are still inspired to continue to challenge ourselves to be better.  As we heard at the end of this focus’ namesake, one of America’s favorite movie series, the “future hasn’t been written yet.  No one’s has.  Your future is whatever you make it.  So make it a good one.”  Now, let’s see what we’re making of it…

Enjoy.