https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_R-6
The Sikorsky R-6 was an American-built light two-seat helicopter of the 1940s.
In Royal Air Force and Royal Navy service, it was named the Hoverfly II.
The R-6 Hoverfly II was developed to improve on the successful Sikorsky R-4. In
order to enhance performance, a completely new streamlined fuselage was designed
and the boom carrying the tail rotor was lengthened and straightened. The main
rotor and transmission system of the R-4 were retained. Sikorsky allotted their
Model 49 designation to the new design. Later, dynamically-balanced
modifications to the rotor were carried out by Doman Helicopters Inc. The new
aircraft could attain 100 mph compared with 82 mph by the earlier design.
Initial production was by Sikorsky, but most examples were built by
Nash-Kelvinator. Some of the later aircraft were fitted with more powerful
engines.
Role
Helicopter
National origin
United States
Manufacturer
Sikorsky Aircraft
Designer
Igor Sikorsky
First flight
15 October 1943
Introduction
1945
Status
Several preserved in museums
Primary users
United States Navy
Royal Air Force
Number built
225
Developed from
Sikorsky R-4
The first R-6s were delivered to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in
late 1944 and some were transferred to the United States Navy (USN). It was
initially intended to pass 150 R-6s to the Royal Air Force (RAF), but delays
caused by the switch of production from Sikorsky's factory at Stratford,
Connecticut to Nash-Kelvinator at Detroit Michigan meant that only 27 R-6As were
actually delivered to the RAF as the Hoverfly II. 15 of these were passed on to
the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA).
Some of the RAF examples were allotted to 657 Squadron RAF for proving the use
of helicopters in the Army Co-operation role, and two external stretchers could
be fitted to the fuselage. 657 Squadron operated their Hoverfly IIs as Air
Observation Posts, spotting for Army artillery units. The Hoverfly IIs remained
in operation until April 1951, and one squadron example was displayed at the
September 1950 Farnborough Air Show.
The FAA used their Hoverfly IIs in the training and liaison roles. Naval units
to use the type included 771 Squadron from December 1945, followed by 705
Squadron.
Specifications (R-6A)
General characteristics
Crew: one
Capacity: one observer
Length: 47 ft 11 in (14.61 m)
Gross weight: 2,600 lb (1,179 kg)
Main rotor diameter: 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m)
Performance
Maximum speed: 100 mph (161 km/h; 87 kn)
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
*
|
|