Trisha Shetty (Editor)

McDonnell XHJH Whirlaway

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Manufacturer
  
McDonnell Aircraft

McDonnell XHJH Whirlaway wwwaviastarorgfotomcdonnelwhirlawayjpg

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

Contents

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.

Variants

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

Aircraft on display

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

Specifications

Data from

General characteristics

  • Length: 32 ft 2 in (9.80 m)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-985 , 450 hp (340 kW) each
  • Main rotor diameter: 2× 46 ft 0 in (14.02 m)

    • Performance

  • Maximum speed: 120 mph (193 km/h; 104 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 90 mph (145 km/h; 78 kn)
  • Range: 300 mi (261 nmi; 483 km)

    • References

    McDonnell XHJH Whirlaway Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA