50 Years of Leadership

1958
An experienced aerodynamicist named Mr. Flatt founded Tech Development, Inc. to assist aeronautical companies in the exploration of air models and designs for making air generating components more efficient.

NASA established July 29, 1958. Elvis Presley joins the army

1960
TDI began to fabricate complete airplane research models for use in wind tunnel testing.

Bill Mazeroski hits walk-off homerun in Game 7 of World Series to beat the Yankees.

1963
Developed Tip Turbine Fan to evaluate propulsive thrust in wind tunnels.

John F. Kennedy assassinated.

1964
Using their “model-shop” approach, TDI developed a state-of-the-art turbofan test model for simulating in-flight aerodynamic characteristics of ducted fan turbojet engines. This simulator allowed accurate simulation of scaled aerodynamic characteristics on airframe structures.

L.B.J. defeats Barry Goldwater in 1964 US presidential election.

1965
Developed first turbofan propulsion simulator that helped companies test

Viet Nam War begins to escalate.

1966
TDI grew rapidly as its reputation for accurate aerodynamic modeling spread throughout the aerospace community.

Muhammed Ali becomes conscientious objector to Viet Nam War and becomes center of controversy.

1968
TDI’s understanding of turbine geometry and aerodynamic principles expanded as it became a clearinghouse for a significant amount of cutting edge aerospace prototyping.

Richard Nixon elected President.

1969
Additional wind tunnel models were developed to help NASA and the major aircraft manufacturers test and develop new aerodynamic concepts and designs.

Woodstock Music Festival occurs in upstate New York and ushers in summer of love.

1972
TDI‘s prowess for creating custom motor components for air flow generation led to the development of a small fan used as an inflator for the first inflatable aircraft evacuation slide.

Apollo 17 becomes the last manned spacecraft to the moon.

1973
The product-develpment and production department was established for development of turbine products, air motors, and other commercially-viable air products.

Watergate break-in scandal and judicial hearings dominate US news.

1976
TDI develops its 7th unique wind tunnel test simulator.

United States celebrates its Bicentennial.

Jimmy Carter elected President.

1979
Designed the first turbine air starter for large reciprocaating and gas turbine engines.

Three Mile Island accident raises question marks to safety of nuclear power.

1981
The company committed itself to air starter development and refinement by establishing a dedicated engineering group for its growing line of starters.

Ronald Reagan begins first of two terms as US President.

1984
The interest and success of the first turbine air starters made it clear that TDI would have to reorganize itself into two separately focused business units: 1) The Aerospace Products Group 2) The Industrial Products Group for commercial turbine air starters.

The 55 Series Gas Turbine Applications were created.

Mary Lou Retton dominates women’s gymnastics at summer Olympics.

1987
TDI released the 40 Series Reciprocating Small Industrial starter.

1991
Introduced TurboStart Two for tractor-trailers and large on-and-off road vehicles.

Jay Leno succeeds Johnny Carson as host of The Tonight Show.

1992
TDI released the 45 Series truck and transit starters.

Third party candidate and businessman Ross Perot makes a strong
run at U.S Presidency, but falls short.

1993
Introduced the TurboValve, a versatile air control valve for start systems.

Bill Clinton begins first of two terms as president of the U.S.

1994
Introduced the T100 TurboTwin design with self-limiting speed control.

TDI released the T100 Series reciprocating large industrial starter.

O. J. Simpson trial and acquittal is top news story in the U.S.

1996
Introduced the T30 TurboTwin for 6-20 Liter Engines.

100th anniversary of the reinstatement of the Olympic Games occurs in Atlanta, GA, USA

1998
Released a Pre-Engaged Pinion TurboTwin Starter, the T100-V.

Mark McGwire breaks Babe Ruth single season homerun mark with 70 HRs.

1999
TDI released the T50 reciprocating, mid-range industrial starter.

2000
Developed the TurboTwin T-50, a pre-engaged pinion starter for Mine Haul Trucks.

Also developed new gas turbine applications series 56G and 56K.

Y2K anxiety put to rest as new Millennium begins without a glitch.

2001
TDI released the large D style mount for EMD apps, series T100-DP.

Al-Qaeda attacks U.S. on 9/11/2001.

2002
TDI released the TurboValvePlus starter with solenoid and screen.

2003
TDI released all-inertia drive markets.

Over 60 million people lose power in one of North America’s largest “blackouts” ever.

2004
TDI Air Starters become the #1 aftermarket starter in the industry.

Indian Ocean Tsunami causes devastation in southern Asia.

2006
TDI Air Starters become the #1 Turbine Air Starter.

Google purchases YouTube for 1.65 billion dollars ushering in new era of video on the internet.

2008
TDI introduces the T25, its smallest air starter - only nine inches in size.

TDI celebrates 50 years of turbine air innovation by introducing 3 new products, T30-ML with Lube Pump Air Motor, T25 Turbine Air Starter.

Gas prices in USA go over $4 per gallon.

2009
TDI introduces the T20.