Major
General Story C. Stevens
Army Aviation Hall of Fame 1986
Induction
"Unquestionably the Army’s most experienced and expert commander
and manager in the full spectrum of Aviation acquisition.” So said
General John R. Guthrie, AMC Commander, in describing Major
General Story C. Stevens.
A Master Army Aviator, Stevens planned, established, and
commanded the U.S. Army Aviation Research & Development Command -
now the Aviation Systems Command - for eight key years during
which the entire present generation of Army aircraft - the Black
Hawk, Apache, CH-47D Chinook, and AHIP - were developed, tested,
and initially fielded.
Under his leadership a number of advanced development programs
produced noteworthy technical improvements in the areas of
composite structure, fuel efficient turbine engines, survivable
digital electronics, and reconfigurable flight control systems.
Working closely with his colleagues at the Training and Doctrine
Command, he laid the groundwork for the Army’s LHX (now Comanche)
program.
Employing a unique style of management wherein his subordinates
enjoyed both professional freedom and total support, Story Stevens
was responsible for AVRADCOM becoming a model command for
creativity, innovation, and teamwork. His major program
accomplishments were the successful development, qualification,
and fielding of long-life fiberglass rotor blades for AH-1S and
CH-47D aircraft; the lifesaving wire strike protection system;
radically new procurement strategies for the AHIP Program;
completion of the CH47D Program on cost and on schedule; and the
development of Aircraft Survivability Equipment.
During his career, the 1951 graduate of San Marcos AFB Army
flight training served as an Army Aviator in Korea, Japan, Alaska,
Vietnam, Germany, and CONUS, and directed Aviation Staffs at both
AMC and HQDA.
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