The gyroplane played a serious role in early aviation. Developed by Juan de La Cierva, and improved. upon by Harold Pitcairn, it was performing commercial tasks such as mail transport and delivery between central post offices in the United States in the late 1920's and early 1930’s.

Actual point-to-point service was accomplished by using post office building roofs for take-offs. and landings. In the late 1930's, the U.S. Government pressed Harold Pitcairn to allow Igor. Sikorsky to use his improved rotor head design in order to develop the helicopter. At that time, the U.S. Military felt that a hovering aircraft would be important in the coming war (WWII).

Over the years, through the impact of numerous wars, sustained military development, and increased investment, helicopters evolved into more refined and sophisticated machines. Their military applications expanded and diversified, with ongoing advancements in technology.

Beyond the military realm and other sectors where hovering capability is indispensable and cost is not a primary concern, helicopters found practical and economic utility on a broader scale.