Work had begun in October 1944 on three two-place metal-clad successors to a new design, each powered by a 235hp Lycoming engine. Whereas the earlier design was the world’s first successful rigid-rotor helicopter, this aircraft featured super-rigid rotors. This unprecedented degree of rigidity ensured that the opposite-turning rotors would never touch during even the most violent maneuvering. As built, in fact, the blades could support a person standing at the tip without noticeable deflection. Ground tests of the first example began in the summer of 1945 at the Old Berkeley Armory. This aircraft was intended primarily for use in the light utility, observation, and training roles. Testing results vindicated the group’s belief that super-rigid coaxial rotors were a valid approach to very highspeed helicopter flight. This company’s first
military contract clearly ran counter to normal aircraft engineering, but then the team building it had no experience in aeronautical engineering. The lack of even a single aeronautical engineer on Hiller’s payroll to introduce that field’s antipathy to heavy structures was, ironically, an advantage in the uncharted terrain being explored. As a result of the tests, the company initiated redesign of this aircraft to incorporate three-bladed coaxial rotors augmented by an aft-thrusting rear propeller. The reworked craft was obviously geared to flight at speeds substantially higher than those attained by existing helicopters. Retractable main wheels further confirmed this supposition.
Name this aircraft. Answer by PM only. Do not answer " Was It " or with a question mark. No changing of an answer after your original submission. Any answer submitted after 1200 hrs E.S.T on the day the answer will post will not count. Answer will post on 06/03/07 at 1200 hrs E.D.T.
Brian [C):-)]