The Focke-Wulf Fw 61 was the first fully controllable helicopter. It first flew in 1934.

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 Louise Bréguet Only a prototype was produced (by Focke-Wulf). In 1936 it was demonstrated by Hanna Reitsch indoors at the Deutschlandhalle sports stadium in Berlin, Germany.

It subsequently set several records, an altitude of nearly 8,000 feet (2,400 m), a speed of 76 mph (122 km/h), a flight duration of 80 minutes and a distance of over 50 miles (80 km).

Specifications (Fw 61)

• Sizes and weights:
  • Total Length: 7.290 m (23.917 ft)
  • Width of hull: 2.640 m (8.661 ft)
  • Rotor diameter: 14.000 m (45.932 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: 3,400 m (11,155 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

External links

• [http://www.return2style.de/swingaring/amifw61.htm
• Virtual Aviation Museum
• Warbirds Resource Group

German experimental aircraft 1930-1939 | World War II German helicopters

Focke-Wulf Fw 61 | Focke-Wulf Fw 61 | Fw61 | Focke-Wulf Fw 61 | Focke-Wulf Fw 61 | Focke-Wulf Fw 61