Warbird Information Exchange

On Oct. 9, Rotorcraft Systems in Philadelphia hosted a visit by Ernest Borgnine. Best known for his starring role in “McHale’s Navy,” he is this year’s Celebrity Spokesperson for the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center. After touring the museum, Borgnine and Bob Beggs, manager, Support Systems discussed plans for the Museum’s expansion and Borgnine’s role in promoting public awareness and fund raising initiatives. “Ernest is fully dedicated to the mission of the museum,” Beggs said.

Their next stop was the Philadelphia site where Borgnine received a program overview and a tour of the V-22 factory.

“We wanted to show him the best of the helicopter industry in this region, and this visit further validated the longstanding relationship that exists between the museum and Boeing. He had a great time touring the V-22 factory and visiting with employees along the way. He was very impressed by the V-22 aircraft, the scale and organization of the factory and especially our Philadelphia workforce,” Beggs said.

The museum is embarking on a major campaign to expand its West Chester, Pa. facility, educational programs and services to deliver a truly world-class aviation experience to its visitors. Located in suburban Philadelphia the museum currently displays over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros and convertaplanes including the V-22 Osprey.

As one of the museum´s sponsors, Boeing enjoys close ties with the helicopter museum and supports its mission to preserve this nation’s rotary wing heritage and its goals to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, pilots and mechanics.