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Aviation History
1952
1952 - 2447.PDF
Helicopter Projects DEPICTED at the head of this page is a scale model of the projected 40-seater Rotodyne helicopter, now under development by the Fairey Aviation Helicopter Division. This imposing machine will have two turbo-generators to serve the five-bladed jet rotor, while two turboprop units mounted on the wings will provide forward thrust. A preliminary statement by the Fairey Company claims that the Rotodyne has an esti mated performance that ''fulfils civil aviation requirements for a pas senger-carrying helicopter." The special requirements of air freighting are also provided for, the loading doors, for example, being so arranged that a total of three motor cars can be driven up a built-in ramp straight into the long cabin, which is approximately of square section. It is further claimed that a greater safety derives from the fact that the high cruising speed produces considerable lift from the fixed wings, thus effecting a reduction of the load on the rotor. There will be sufficient power to maintain forward flight, or even vertical take-off, with one of the two turbo-generators, or one of the turbo-props out of action. The sketches depict three Westland projects. The massive machine on the right is the W-85, to be powered with six Adders, or their equivalent. Preliminary figures are: main rotor diameter, 104ft, cabin volume 4,400 cu ft, max. seating capacity 102, disposable load 30,540 lb, max. cruising speed 120 m.p.h. Immediately below this text is the smaller W-8i, intended for a Double Mamba, or equivalent. At lower right is the smallest of the Westland projects—the W-80, designed for a 14-cylinder Alvis engine. Finally, mention may be made of the Bristol Type 181, a scajed-up version of the 173 intended to carry 40 passengers, and of the Percival company's interest in the helicopter field.
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