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The First Helicopters:
The first three decades of the 20th century yielded helicopters that could fly -- but only marginally. The first pioneers had little understanding of the complex factors involved in creating a practical helicopter, especially in terms of control. Initial efforts focused mostly on finding engines with suitable power-to-weight ratios. Most early rotor designs were very inefficient; the first helicopters could rise no more than a meter. Fully functional helicopters did not appear until designers could incorporate lessons learned from Autogiro development, such as efficient rotor blades and flapping hinges. Advances in engine design and lightweight structures also proved crucial.
A Step Up: The First Controlled Helicopter Flight:
On January 11, 1922, in Spain, Raul Pescara made what can be regarded as the first free and controlled helicopter flight. The design incorporated both cyclic and collective pitch control, making it the most advanced of the early helicopters. Although a milestone, its awkward "biplane" rotors, limited power, and severe vibrations made it impractical.
A Step Forward: The Breguet-Dorand Helicopter:
On June 26, 1935, in France, Louis Breguet's Gyroplane made its first flight and quickly outperformed all previous helicopters. The first helicopter capable of sustained, controllable forward flight out of ground effect (ground-induced air cushion), it demonstrated that practical helicopters were indeed possible. |