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squadron, and brigade. As the Assistant Commandant of the Army Aviation School, I was present when Colonel Vanderpool gave a briefing to Major General Hamilton H. Howze, the first Director of Army Aviation, on the organization of an "Armair Division."
Staff Plans an Army Aircraft "Family"
Near the end of the 1950's, the Army staff recognized the overwhelming need to get its "aviation house" in order. It was becoming big business. Too many programs were going in too many directions. Many Army agencies had separate responsibilities and were pursuing their own program in happy isolation of the rest. The Transportation Corps and Signal Corps had reluctantly brought their test activities to Fort Rucker with the Army Aviation Test Board, but there were still many fragmented efforts at many echelons. The Army seemed uncertain of its goals; Congress was unhappy with some of the budget justifications; and, the aviation industry was uncertain.
At the end of June 1959, the Army had 5,500 aircraft, most of them substandard, with a requirement for 6,400. Taking into account normal losses, wear out, and attrition, the aviation picture was very poor for 1970. The greatest need was for a light observation aircraft to perform the "bread and butter" mission of Army aviation.
One of the most important milestones during this period was the decision to develop the XH-40 Bell Utility Helicopter and to power it with a turbine engine. Although designed as an aerial ambulance, it was recognized even then that this machine might turn out to be the most useful aerial platform ever put into production.
In October 1959 the Army Chief of Research and Development, Lieutenant General Arthur G. Trudeau, initiated an Army Aircraft Development Plan to advance firm guidance for research and development efforts during the next decade. He felt the plan would bridge the gap between the Army and the U.S. Air Force capabilities and give the Army the initiative in the manned aircraft field. Industry was expected to contribute a major effort.
To implement the Army Aircraft Development Plan, the Office of the Chief of Research and Development prepared three broad development objectives which they called Army Study Requirements. These study requirements forecast a need for light observation, manned surveillance, and tactical transport aircraft. They were presented to all members of industry on 1 December 1959 at