Originally posted by Ack-Ack
Name one helicopter in World War II that was capable of carrying 10 soldiers with full combat gear plus 1-2 crew members.
ack-ack
This is as close as it gets, and was the biggest of WWII.
Focke Achgelis FA-223 Drache
Primary Function: transport
Crew: one
Seats: five troops
Engines: 1 R-1,000 hp
Length: 49' 1"
Height: 14' 4"
Rotors/Diameter: 2- 39' 5" ea.
Weight Empty: 7,000 lbs.
Max. Weight: 9,500 lbs.
Cruise Speed: 75 mph
Max. Speed: 109 mph
Est. Climb Rate: 1,200 fpm
Ceiling: 23,000 feet
Range: 435 miles
First Flight: 8/40
Year Deployed: 1942
The FA-223 Drache (Dragon) first flew in Aug. 1940. In Oct. 1940 Karl Bode flew a prototype breaking records for helicopter speed, climb rate and ceiling. Based on the results of test flights an initial order was placed by the military for 30 helicopters with materials ordered for an additional 70. Three prototypes were eventually pro- duced. Initial production was to be in five versions: Anti submarine, observation/recon, rescue, transport, and as a trainer. After further testing it was decided to produce the FA-223 in one adaptable version instead of the five as originally planned. As with many German WW II military projects, production was limited due to government indecision and the Allied bombing of supplies and man- ufacturing facilities. The Germans did use it for flying in supplies, and also use it for medical evacuations. Would be a slow easy to hit target, and extreamely lucky to get to a target without really good air cover.
