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From: wanttaja@ssc-vax.UUCP (Ronald J Wanttaja)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Query about helecopters in the Armed Forces
Message-ID: <430@ssc-vax.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 16-Feb-85 19:32:15 EST
Article-I.D.: ssc-vax.430
Posted: Sat Feb 16 19:32:15 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 19-Feb-85 07:59:57 EST
References: <1263@akgua.UUCP>
Organization: Boeing Aerospace Co., Seattle, WA
Lines: 31

>   In the 1930's the autogyro was a bit of a novelty but I don't
> recall it being used by the Armed forces.  Any information?
Many countries tried them out in the '20s and '30s... the US and
Great Britain included.  The NASM has a Kellet (sp?) autogiro in
USAAC markings.
  
>   When did the first "true" helecopter fly?  
I believe that Focke-Wulf flew one about '35 or so, but there may have
been earlier examples.
 
>   When did the armed forces start using helecopters?  (I know they
> were used in the Korean War (1952 and thereafter) but I don't
> recall ever seeing them in WW2.  Did they really develop in
> just 7 years?)
> 
Both the Germans and the US used helicopters on a limited basis in WWII.
The US had a early Sikorsky two seat model operational in squadrons on
the east coast.  The German Focke-Wulfs were even more limited in operational
scope; however, when the plan was first hatched to rescue Mussolini from the
Gran Strasso, they planned to use a helicopter to get him out.  The 'chopper
went T.U., so they used a Storch instead.

Special bonus answer... what does a Marine call a helicopter?  :-)

					       Ron Wanttaja
					       (ssc-vax!wanttaja)

Archbury control, this is Ramrod Leader...


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