Author Topic: Choppers in AH? (Read 646 times)

mason22 · « **on:** April 10, 2001, 10:56:00 AM »

just curious...but,

how big of a role did choppers play in WWII? or did they??

from all the movies and images and shows and books that i've seen, i can't recall choppers anywhere pre-korea/vietnam. or maybe i'm just missing something...when where they actually invented or produced for use in Combat?

would anyone care to shed some info on choppers during WWII and their development??

thanks. -mas

Kieran · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2001, 11:51:00 AM »

They weren't very reliable, but did exist. They played a virtual nonrole in the conflict.

The Germans did have some interesting related technology. Their subs sometimes carried what could best be described as an unpowered autogyro. It was towed along behind the sub and was used to get a better view of the horizon (subs sit kinda low in the water

).

As for the few that would have made it in, about the only possible use would be rescue operations.

AKDejaVu · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2001, 11:57:00 AM »

Weren't the first helicopters used by the allies flown by women as medical transports? Seem to remember seeing a movie on this, but that was Hollywood does History.

...at least it wasn't Disney.

AKDejaVu

mason22 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2001, 12:53:00 PM »

interesting, thank you Keirin...

so, does anyone know when the first "true" helicopter went into service (military or/and civilian) ??

delta · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2001, 12:56:00 PM »

FYI,

I checked the early company histories of both Bell Helicopters and Kaman Corp.

Bell's first helicopter flew about March of 1946. Their history states Bell was awarded a contract in May 1946.

Charles Kaman started the Kaman Corp in 1945. His first helicopter, the K-125 was built in Janurary 1947. There is a picture of this model on the web page. The Kaman history goes on futher to discuss the K-225 which first flew in July of 1949.

Clearly helicopeter were not around in viable form during World War II.

link are below (hope they work - I don't do this often)

http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.com/content/companyInfo/historyHeritage/companyHistory/index.html

and
http://www.kaman.com/about/index.html

delta

(corrected bell link)

[This message has been edited by delta (edited 04-10-2001).]

[This message has been edited by delta (edited 04-10-2001).]

[This message has been edited by delta (edited 04-10-2001).]

Ghosth · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2001, 01:16:00 PM »

Well I've seen history channel footage detailing the use of early helicopters in the CBI theatre to drop supplies & lift out wounded.

But I do believe they were pretty rare.

AKDejaVu · « **Reply #6 on:** April 10, 2001, 01:19:00 PM »

Quote

CBI theatre

Acronym decipher please. What theatre was that?

AKDejaVu

janneh · « **Reply #7 on:** April 10, 2001, 01:24:00 PM »

Flettner Fl 282 Kolibri (German)
15 pre-production examples was ordered in early 1940. 1942 German navy began its trials of the Fl 282. Soon order of 1000 copters was made, but due to allied bombing attacks, these were not build.
It actually looked like a helicopter. Perhaps someone could post a pic.

Thirdup · « **Reply #8 on:** April 10, 2001, 01:27:00 PM »

CBI = China/Burma/India
(Flying Tigers-kinda place)

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #9 on:** April 10, 2001, 02:48:00 PM »

There was limited use of helicopters by the Germans on the east front for pilot rescue and resuply and by the Americans in CBI, at least according to the History channel. Prolly shouldnt be in AH far too limited use.

milnko · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2001, 03:11:00 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by mason22:
<snip>would anyone care to shed some info on choppers <snip> and their development??

[/b]

I betcha Easymo could, after all he rides a Harvey Donaldson

Sorry EM, couldn't resist!

------------------
"ASSASSINS have BIGGER Joysticks!"

<< MILENKO >>
ACES HIGH ASSASSINS Website
WB/AH ASSASSINS Website

Tac · « **Reply #11 on:** April 10, 2001, 03:34:00 PM »

They weren't chopper. Rather Gyrocopters.

US used them as recon for the infantry and in some cases as ambulances.

mrniel · « **Reply #12 on:** April 10, 2001, 03:35:00 PM »

saw a tv program some time ago. where info-
mation about late WW2 heli use was given.
Remember that a medivac flight was done,
but the small craft had to be stripped, to
lift both pilot and wounded, but could hardly
do it.
I i remember the program correct, only a few
was in use, but they had to bad preformance
to be of any use, and the army did not know
exactly what to use them for.
So the answer is yes they did have heloes
in late WW2, but to add those to the planelist
would be a joke

found these data in book.
Sikorsky r-4 180hp. 30 delivered
first carrierlanding 6 may 1943, bunker hill
first helo-rescue, april 1944 burma, 4 men
mrniel

Arty · « **Reply #13 on:** April 10, 2001, 03:54:00 PM »

Hello, Helicopters were indeed around in WW2, just no-one really had figured out how to use them.
I would suggest going here http://www.sikorskyarchives.com/tdoth.html
It is pretty interesting.

Autogyro's were around as well, but no-one really employed them, either. With as noted, the exception of the Focke-Wulfe kite.

Arty

illo · « **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2001, 05:18:00 PM »

Quote

Prolly shouldnt be in AH far too limited use.

Im quite sure there was more german helicopters than US cannonhogs in WW2

Single rotor:

FI 282 Kolibri(2 seat)was use aboard German navy vessels and were used for spotting duties.

15 pre production
24 prototypes operating from warships

FI 265 (single seat)
no numbers

Twin rotor:

Focke-Achgelis 61
no numbers

Focke-Achgelis 223 Drache
30 pre-production
only very limited use as transport

Focke-Achgelis 266 Hornisse (6 passenger)
no numbers