NASA is hosting an essay contest and design challenge for high school students interested in the importance of rotorcraft in rescue operations and civil applications. The focus is on inventing a successful amphibious tiltrotor craft. The entry deadline is March 15, 2010. Cash prizes are up to $1,000 for individuals and $1,500 for teams.

Learn more about the Amphibious Tiltrotor for Rescue Operations Essay Contest and Design Challenge.

An amphibious tiltrotor is a design concept that proposes an rotorcraft that can take-off from water (including lakes and oceans) or ground, as well as land on water or ground.

Below is an example of a tiltrotor (though not amphibious); it’s an experimental NASA tiltrotor called the XV15:

“This rotorcraft is a tiltrotor. Its propellers can be tilted up. This way it flies like a helicopter. It can take off straight up into the air. It can land like a helicopter, too. Its propellers can also be tilted forward. This way it can fly like an airplane. This small tiltrotor can carry only 2 people. This rotorcraft was used by NASA to see if it would fly safely.” (via Robin Whirlybird on Her Rotorcraft Adventures).