Abstract: First, the history of helicopter technology is reviewed. Through analyzing the five features of a helicopterincluding the performance of the helicopter engine,the technology of the rotor system,the design technology of thehelicopter structure,the architecture and characteristics of the avionics system,and the general performance of thehelicopter,the main features of the development of the helicopter technology are summarized. Making these as thecriteria,the development of the helicopter technology is divided into four generations the first time in the circle of helicopters in the world. At the same time,this paper provides the prospects of the development trends of the helicoptertechnology in the new century,such as the helicopter key system-rotor system technology,the aerodynamics,the anti-torque system,the avionics technology system,the helicopter dynamics,the helicopter simulation,the general performance of helicopters,etc.

Key words: helicopter development, design technology, rotor wing