Manufacturer McDonnell Aircraft | ||
 | ||
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
Aircraft on display
The sole XHJH-1 is held by the National Air and Space Museum.
Specifications
Data from
General characteristics
Performance