This personal helicopter concept was developed by Horace T. Pentecost during WW2. Consisting of 12 foot diameter contra rotating blades powered by a 15-20 hp engine, the whole machine was to be strapped to a soldier's shoulders. Landing gear was the operators feet. Under ideal circumstances probably ok, but if he stumbled or fell during landing, the results might be spectacular! This prototype actually made about 20 short flights before being retired and is part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum collection.All I can say is, we're entering the third decade of the 21st Century. Where's my hover car? Happy New Year!
I am pretty sure Moller is still taking money from people for his 'flying car'. (I think you can interchange stealing for taking.)
ReplyDeleteSome guy, I think somewhere in the Balkans, built and flies one...
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/2W3gamijezc
That's amazing!- seems to work ok and obviously directly related, I do like the metal steadying legs. The diameter of the rotor seems like it could be made bigger and that engine noise!
ReplyDeleteWere the soldiers expected to fly into battle wearing this contraption?
ReplyDeleteProbably while firing their weapons!:-)
ReplyDeleteI am inclined to believe it was more of a device to be dropped to a downed pilot so he could relocate himself to a place where proper rescue was more viable.
ReplyDelete