When Was Helicopter Invented? A Brief History
The concept of a rotor-driven flying machine has been around for centuries, with many innovators contributing to the development of the modern helicopter. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of helicopter invention and explore the key milestones and pioneers that shaped the course of this technology.
Contents
The Early Days
The concept of a helicopter dates back to ancient Greece, with the invention of the autogyro, a static rotor design that rotated on its own axis without requiring a propulsion system. Although this invention was purely theoretical, it laid the groundwork for later innovations. During the Middle Ages, ideas about rotating wings reemerged, with various inventions and prototypes being created by inventors and visionaries.
Early Helicopter Prototypes (16th-18th centuries)
• 1623: German inventor Giovanni Batista della Porta conceives a flying machine with a spinning rotor
• 1737: Austrian inventor Bernhard Strahl creates a flying model powered by a spring mechanism
The Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries: The Quest for a Controllable Helicopter
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw numerous attempts to create a functional helicopter, with most ending in failure. Inventors faced numerous challenges, including:
- Rotor designs: Improper blade configurations and control issues
- Lack of stability: Limited control and safety concerns
- Inadequate power: Sufficient thrust to counter the weight and drag
Key figures in this era included:
• Otto Lilienthal (1848-1896): German engineer who flew gliders and explored flight dynamics
• Pierre-Ernest Bedard (1830-1883): Canadian inventor who built and experimented with helicopter prototypes
• Emile Berliner (1851-1929): German-American inventor and entrepreneur who pioneered the development of gramophone records and worked on early helicopter designs
Wright Brothers’ Experiment (1902)
On March 24, 1902, the Wright brothers conducted a groundbreaking experiment, demonstrating the potential for a rotating wing to produce lift. This test piqued the interest of inventors and researchers worldwide, revitalizing efforts to create a functional helicopter.
The 1900s-1920s: Breakthroughs and Trials
• 1912: Spanish engineer Joaquín González-Covarrubias patents an early rotorcraft design with a curved rotor blade
• 1923: French engineer Paul Cornu builds and tests the world’s first rotor-driven airplane, capable of lift but not powered flight
• Flettner-Roujou Rotorcraft (1922): Ailerons introduced, improving pitch and yaw control
• Integra-Wasp (1922): Autogyro-type design, emphasizing rotation and no powered prop
The First Fully Functional Helicopter: 1936
After years of innovative experimentation and incremental advancements, Igor Sikorsky unveiled the world’s first practical helicopter in 1936. This significant breakthrough allowed for the creation of controlled, vertical takeoffs, and horizontal flight:
- Model VS-300: Powered by a Jacobs L-4MB engine, featuring a two-blade main rotor and fixed tail rotor
- First Flight: August 14, 1939, piloted by Ivan Leonidoff
- World’s First Whirlybird (Model R-4): 1939-40, mass-produced, setting the standard for future civilian and military helicopters
Key milestones since then:
Post-War Advances:
- Jet Rotor and Compound Coaxial Design (1945): Increased stability, efficiency, and noise reduction
- Cobham Wasp Jr (1956): Ultralight, foldable, and quiet, pioneering civilian helicopters
Present Day and Future Developments:
Current advancements include:
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Military, industrial, and recreational uses for autonomous rotorcraft
• Helicopter Advancements: Turboprops, anti-torque designs, and noise-reduced rotors
• Electric Helicopters: Environmentally friendly alternatives exploring electric power
The timeline of the helicopter’s evolution is rich with milestones and innovators, shaping a technology that has transformed countless industries. As the boundaries of engineering continue to stretch, it’s thrilling to imagine what the future might hold for the whirlybird.
