When Helicopter Was Invented?
Helicopters have been around for over a century, and their invention is often attributed to Igor Sikorsky, a Russian-American engineer. However, the concept of a rotor-wing aircraft dates back to the early 19th century. In this article, we will explore the history of helicopters and answer the question of when they were invented.
Early Concepts and Experimental Models
The idea of a rotor-wing aircraft began to take shape in the early 19th century. In 1852, French inventor Gustave de Ponton d’Amécourt patented the first rotor-wing aircraft concept. His design consisted of a large rotor with horizontal and vertical blades that was powered by a steam engine.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, other inventors and engineers worked on developing rotor-wing aircraft. One notable example is Paul Cornu, a French engineer who built an experimental helicopter in 1907. Cornu’s design used a rotor with three blades and a steam engine to lift the aircraft off the ground.
The First Modern Helicopter
The modern helicopter as we know it today was invented by Igor Sikorsky, a Russian-American engineer. Sikorsky, who immigrated to the United States in the early 1920s, founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in 1925. He began working on a new type of aircraft that would use a rotor to generate lift, instead of fixed wings.
Sikorsky’s First Helicopter
In 1939, Sikorsky built the VS-300, a single-seat, single-rotor helicopter that lifted off the ground for the first time on September 14, 1939. The VS-300 was powered by a 75-horsepower Franklin engine and had a top speed of 60 miles per hour.
Sikorsky’s breakthrough design used a pivoting rotor and a tail rotor to counteract the torque generated by the main rotor. The VS-300 was followed by the R-4, a more refined design that entered production in 1942.
Table: Sikorsky’s Helicopter Designs
| Model | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VS-300 | 1939 | Single-seat, single-rotor helicopter |
| R-4 | 1942 | Production model, multiple-seat helicopter |
Notable Milestones
Over the years, helicopters have continued to evolve and become more sophisticated. Some notable milestones include:
- 1946: The first commercial helicopter, the Sikorsky S-51, is introduced.
- 1951: The first turbine-powered helicopter, the Westland Whirlwind, is introduced.
- 1956: The first helicopter with a coaxial rotor, the Kamov Ka-25, is introduced.
- 1980s: The introduction of glass cockpits and turbine engines improve helicopter performance and safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the invention of the helicopter is a story of innovation and perseverance. While the concept of a rotor-wing aircraft dates back to the 19th century, it wasn’t until Igor Sikorsky’s breakthrough design in the early 20th century that the modern helicopter was born.
Timeline: Key Milestones in Helicopter History
- 1852: Gustave de Ponton d’Amécourt patents the first rotor-wing aircraft concept
- 1907: Paul Cornu builds an experimental helicopter
- 1939: Igor Sikorsky builds the VS-300, the first modern helicopter
- 1942: The R-4, a production model of the VS-300, enters production
- 1946: The first commercial helicopter, the Sikorsky S-51, is introduced
- 1951: The first turbine-powered helicopter, the Westland Whirlwind, is introduced
- 1956: The first helicopter with a coaxial rotor, the Kamov Ka-25, is introduced
- 1980s: The introduction of glass cockpits and turbine engines improve helicopter performance and safety
We hope this article has answered the question of when helicopter was invented and provided you with a comprehensive overview of the history of helicopters.
