What is Vertipedia?

As the global resource for information on vertical flight technology, AHS International is pleased to announce the initial launch of Vertipedia - a comprehensive online vertical flight encyclopedia - as the latest membership initiative. Vertipedia's primary objective is to become the premier "one-stop" source for comprehensive reference data and information for any vertical flight aircraft, from historical to those currently in operation and development.

 

Although still in development, Vertipedia can already serve as:

  • An ongoing, frequently updated record of aircraft history and development providing a legacy for future generations of vertical lift professionals
  • An educational tool, especially for junior engineers and those new to the industry
  • A way to foster inquiry and learning by providing different "pathways" to related industry data, such as manufacturers, history, powerplants and more
  • A means to add value to AHS membership, not only by providing another useful member resource, but also by encouraging participation and discussion

 

Currently, Vertipedia contains data on 867 aircraft, 465 powerplants, 395 organizations and 620 historical milestones, as well as the framework for biographies. In addition, Vertipedia includes a glossary of terms, feedback requests and discussion forums - we want to hear from you! With your help, Vertipedia can also be evolved in whatever directions that AHS members find most useful.

Why Vertipedia?

You may ask: what will Vertipedia provide that is not already available on the internet? Other public databases do not have in-depth technical information on aircraft, or only provide it for one or two representative models. The intent of Vertipedia is to leverage information from AHS publications and approved (public) manufacturer data to provide comprehensive information on all types and variants wherever possible. Every piece of data is referenced to the most reliable source possible, which can be checked and updated as better data is made available or information changes.

 

One of Vertipedia's most important features is the powerful search engine, which returns results from AHS proceedings papers, Vertiflite articles, articles from the Journal of the AHS and the AHS website, as well as (currently) 10 academic and US government databases. This unique feature is another valuable resource for vertical flight researchers.

How to help Vertipedia grow

One of the key aspects of Vertipedia has been to build the database around a structure that enables related data to be easily linked together. A design principle has also been to minimize any need for special training to use the database or contribute to the data. Users can easily build complete data sets for individual aircraft - not simply generic data representative of a type or family.

 

This means you can participate right now - Vertipedia needs your expertise! Any database is only as good as the data it contains, and Vertipedia is no different. Your help with research, data entry and referencing is critical to Vertipedia's growth. Testing, error tracking and thoughtful, constructive feedback will also make Vertipedia a serious scholarly resource for AHS members.

 

We've built a robust "contributor" interface that lets you add and edit aircraft data from any computer with a browser. We are looking forward to your active participation and feedback! With your help, Vertipedia will become a valuable, comprehensive resource for members.

 

Please contact Betty Chen, Vertipedia Community Liaison, by email or at 1-703-684-6777 x102, to get involved or for more information. Thank you!