The Pennsylvania State University Rotorcraft Center for Excellence was founded in January 1996. It is funded by the National Rotorcraft Technology Center (NRTC), Army Research Office (ARO), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as well as various corporate sponsors. The Rotorcraft Center is focused on advancement of rotorcraft research and education. Approximately 30 graduate students and 12 faculty members are focused on a wide array of rotorcraft research programs.