Troy M. Gaffey
Senior Vice-President Research and Engineering (Retired)
Bell Helicopter Textron
BSAE 1960
"Purdue provided me an excellent foundation in the aeronautical engineering sciences, a foundation that allowed me to build a challenging and enjoyable aeronautical engineering career; one that I still enjoy 48 years after graduation."
Troy Gaffey received his BSAE from Purdue in 1960. Following his graduation he worked for Boeing and attended graduate school for several years and entered the US Army in 1962 to fulfill his ROTC obligation. He was a dual rated fixed wing and helicopter pilot during his Army service. In 1965 Gaffey joined Bell Helicopter and had a 38-year career in the Bell engineering department retiring in 2003 after serving as Bell's chief engineer from 1991 to 2001. During his engineering career he initially specialized in rotorcraft dynamics and aero elasticity, moving into technology management and then project and general management. During his tenure as chief engineer a number of new helicopters were developed as well as the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey and the Bell-Agusta 609 tilt rotor aircraft. Following retirement from Bell, Gaffey has consulted for NASA, DOD, and the rotorcraft industry. He is currently developing a small, personal use helicopter based on integration of advanced technology.
Gaffey has been honored by the American Helicopter Society with the Haueter Award for VTOL development and the Klemin award for contributions to rotorcraft technology. The AIAA has awarded Gaffey the Newbold Award for contributions to powered lift technology.