The original three books were published before the computer age revolutionized the book publishing industry, and none of the original text, drawings or photos were available electronically. In some cases, the original photos were no longer available, even from Ray's private collection, so other comparable photos were obtained from Ray.

Ray wrote these articles over a large time span, so in some cases, certain subjects were hit more than once. Rather than to try and cut anything out, everything is include in the three books, even when it was said more than once. Likewise, a few of the figures and photos repeat, but we think that you'll agree that the need to preserve the totality of what Ray has written should come first.

Ray's career began in 1952, when, according to David Jenson of Rotor& Wing, "he put his Bachelors degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Washington to application at Hughes Tool Co.'s Aircraft Division. He worked as a helicopter aerodynamicist at Hughes until 1954, when he moved his talents to Sikorsky Aircraft until 1956. Between 1958 and 1960, Ray was a stability and control specialist at Bell Helicopter, and then group engineer for helicopter aerodynamics at Lockheed Aircraft from 1960 to 1973. From 1973 until his retirement in 1987, Ray was back at Hughes Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co.)."

Well-known helicopter test pilot and author Shawn Coyle (Art & Science of Flying Helicopters and Cyclic & Collective: More Art and Science of Flying Helicopters) was the initial driving force behind the effort to resurrect Prouty's works, and contributed his knowledge and keen eye in proof- reading. The result is a very readable, hefty 500-page work, jam-packed with extraordinary insights into helicopter aerodynamics, design, and handling.

Softcover, 550 pages                                                                                                                                                ISBN 0-9792638-1-6