Hush-Kit Top Ten: Ten coolest cancelled helicopters
Like cursed migrating penguins, a whole barrage of helicopter designs have failed to make the grade. Here is a celebration of some magnificent rotor-craft that have been consigned to history’s scrapheap.
10. Mil Mi -32
Just look at it!
9. Hiller YH-32
The world’s first gunship helicopter was nicknamed ‘Sally Rand’ after the Burlesque performer.
8. Mil Mi-12
A helicopter with a max take-off weight 43,000 lb GREATER than an Avro Vulcan.
7. Kellett XR-8
One of the few rotorcraft to instill broodiness.
6. Westland Westminster
This great idea was squashed as the British government thought the Fairey Rotodyne was the future. D’oh!
A project that only Convair could describe as ‘low-risk’ ! The whole strange saga can be read here.
Have a look at 10 Best fighters of World War II , top WVR and BVR fighters of today, an interview with a Super Hornet pilot and a Pacifist’s Guide to Warplanes. Was the Spitfire overrated? Want something more bizarre? The Top Ten fictional aircraft is a fascinating read, as is The Strange Story and The Planet Satellite. The Fashion Versus Aircraft Camo is also a real cracker. Those interested in the Cold Way should read A pilot’s guide to flying and fighting in the Lightning. Those feeling less belligerent may enjoy A pilot’s farewell to the Airbus A340. Looking for something more humourous? Have a look at this F-35 satire and ‘Werner Herzog’s Guide to pusher bi-planes. In the mood for something more offensive? Try the NSFW 10 best looking American airplanes, or the same but for Canadians.
Follow my vapour trail on Twitter: @Hush_kit
4. Kamov V-50
Stingray! Stingray! Da -da da da
3. Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche
A stealthy reconnaissance and attack helicopter seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately it turned out to be wildly expensive and a mite too specialised. It was terminated after around $7 billion had been spent on it. Some technology developed for it was useful for the US secret stealth helicopter force. Its especially developed engines found employment with a variety of choppers including the Lynx Wildcat.
Looked awesome- like Batman’s pimped-up Air Wolf.
2. Sikorsky S-67 Blackhawk
With a top speed exceeding 220 mph and the ability to perform wild split-S turns and impressive rolls the S-67 was a hot ship. Combined with the ability to carry six soldiers and sports-car good looks it was an impressive aircraft. Following a fatal crash at the Farnborough Air Show in 1974 it was binned.
1. Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne
Fast, formidable and sophisticated, the Cheyenne was an awe-inspiring machine. Its timing however, was rubbish. It came at a time when USAF was trying to justify the A-10 in the Close Support role and Nixon was trying to undermine Johnson’s procurement decisions. Its aeroplane-like performance trod on the toes of USAF and its complexity intimidated the US Army who would have operated it. A deadly crash of a prototype, and cost and schedule overruns were the final nails in its coffin. Its performance figures and weapons-capability remain impressive today 44 years after it was cancelled.
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Have a look at 10 Best fighters of World War II , top WVR and BVR fighters of today, an interview with a Super Hornet pilot and a Pacifist’s Guide to Warplanes. Was the Spitfire overrated? Want something more bizarre? The Top Ten fictional aircraft is a fascinating read, as is The Strange Story and The Planet Satellite. The Fashion Versus Aircraft Camo is also a real cracker. Those interested in the Cold Way should read A pilot’s guide to flying and fighting in the Lightning. Those feeling less belligerent may enjoy A pilot’s farewell to the Airbus A340. Looking for something more humourous? Have a look at this F-35 satire and ‘Werner Herzog’s Guide to pusher bi-planes. In the mood for something more offensive? Try the NSFW 10 best looking American airplanes, or the same but for Canadians.
Follow my vapour trail on Twitter: @Hush_kit
Twitter: @Hush_kit
Most of those looks kick ass! That AH-56 the most!
When talking about the Rotodyne, what dose “D’oh!” mean? If it is derogatory, and I think it is, a lesson in history is required.
I’m all yours bigboy – what’s the lesson?
FFS – I subscribe – please stop leaving the header picture un documented – what was that ??
The Hughes XV-9 (company designation Hughes Model 385)
Little known fact about the Cheyenne. One was crashed, turning and burning, in the NASA Ames 80′ x 120′ wind tunnel, out-doing every other wind tunnel mishap I’ve come across.