What was the first successful single lifting rotor helicopter?
What was the first successful single lifting rotor helicopter? On September 14, 1939, the VS-300, the world's first practical helicopter, took flight at Stratford, Connecticut. Designed by Igor Sikorsky and built by the Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft Division of the United Aircraft Corporation, the helicopter was the first to incorporate a single main rotor and tail rotor design. How long did the VS-300 fly for? On May 6, 1941, the VS-300 beat the world endurance record, by staying aloft for 1 hour 32 minutes and 26 seconds. According to anecdotes, the final variant of VS-300 was powered by 150 hp Franklin engine....