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> pushed back the date to 1932 for the first helicopter The TSAGI 1-ea with 2 tail rotors. I spotted that one alright - but the entire shape is quite different
by ian0 8y ago
> pushed back the date to 1932 for the first helicopter The TSAGI 1-ea with 2 tail rotors.
I spotted that one alright - but the entire shape is quite different from the single-tail rotor versions (eg in the second pic down). Still doesn't explain how they came up with the modern design..
Though it seems Igor Sikorsky, who built the VS-300 built at least two prototype helicopters early in the century. Cant find any pics, perhaps they were of the modern design. Or perhaps he was just the first to successfully put it together but the design was well known.
- benj111 8y agoWell helicopters only really came into their own when jet engines/gas turbines were developed. Maybe they were in a similar situation to todays single stage to orbit shuttle designs. The basic design has been static for over 30 years, we're just waiting for a rocket (fuel ?) to come, to make it practical. I find it quite interesting how even with something as 'obvious' (in the what it is sense, not the inventing and concept sense) as a helicopter, it becomes very hard to pin down the 'first'.