McDonnell XHJH Whirlaway

XHJH Whirlaway
Role Experimental twin-rotor helicopter
National origin United States
Manufacturer McDonnell Aircraft
First flight August 1944
Number built 1


The McDonnell XHJH Whirlaway was a 1940s American experimental twin-rotor helicopter designed and built by McDonnell Aircraft for the United States Navy.[1][2] It was the first successful twin-engined, twin rotor helicopter in the world.[2] The Whirlaway was the largest helicopter flown up to that time.[3]

Design and development

In 1944, the United States Navy issued a requirement for a large rescue helicopter with capacity for ten occupants. The design was originally designated XHJD-1; shortly after flying it was re-designated the XHJH-1. The XHJH-1 first flew in August 1944, and had twin side-by-side 46 ft (14 m) rotors at the end of pylon wings which turned in opposite directions. Each rotor was powered by a 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine.[2]

Variants

XHJD-1
Original United States Navy designation.[1]
XHJH-1
Designation changed before first flight.[1]

Aircraft on display

The sole XHJH-1 is held by the National Air and Space Museum.[4]

Specifications

Data from [2]

General characteristics

Performance

See also


Related lists

References

Notes
Bibliography
  • Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9. 

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Thursday, July 09, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.