Focke-Wulf Fw 61

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The Focke-Wulf Fw 61 was the first fully controllable helicopter. It first flew in 1936. It is more properly known as the Fa 61 as it was a research aircraft of the Focke Achgelis company.

Prof. Heinrich Focke and engineer Gerd Achgelis started the design for this helicopter in 1932. The airframe was based on that of a well-tried training aircraft, the Focke-Wulf Stieglitz. A single engine drove twin rotors, set on outriggers to the left and right of the fuselage - the counter-rotation of the two rotors solved the problem of torque-reaction as also shown by Louis Bréguet Only a prototype was produced. In February 1938 it was demonstrated by Hanna Reitsch indoors at the Deutschlandhalle sports stadium in Berlin, Germany.

It subsequently set several records for altitude, speed and flight duration culminating, in June 1938, with an altitude record of 3,427m and a straight line flight record of 230km.

[edit] Specifications (Fw 61)

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Sizes and weights:
- Total Length: 7.290 m (23.917 ft)
- Width of hull: 2.640 m (8.661 ft)
- Rotor diameter: 7.01 m (23 ft)
- Max take off weight: 950.0 kg (2,094.8 lb)
- Weight empty: 818.0 kg (1,803.7 lb)
Performance data:
- Max. speed: 122 km/h (66 kts)
- Cruising speed: 90 km/h (49 kts)
- Initial climb rate: 3.50 m/s (688.98 ft/min)
- Service ceiling: 2,400 m (7,900 ft)
- Range: 230 km (124 nm)
Propulsion:
- Kind: KSte
- Type: BMW Bramo Sh 14B
- Power rating (max.): 110 PS (108 hp)
- Count: 1,1
- Total power rating (max.): 110 PS (108 hp)
Other:
- Crew: 1