Existing comment:
An Early US Effort: The Platt-LePage XR-1:
German helicopter development generated concern in the United States as war loomed. The Army Air Corps shifted a 1938 congressional appropriation, designed to save the Autogiro industry, to helicopters. Its first contract funded the XR-1, which was inspired by the German Focke Fw 61. It flew in 1941 but performed poorly.
A Sikorsky YR-4B Hoverfly, 1st Air Commando Group:
The helicopter was introduced into combat in April 1944, when a YR-4B flown by Lt. Carter Harman (back row, left) rescued 21 allied personnel from the impassable jungles of Burma. This "service test" proved the helicopter's value in the field. |