The VFW-Fokker H3 Sprinter was a single-engined experimental rotorcraft designed and built in West Germany. Two aircraft were produced by VFW-Fokker in the early 1970s, registered D-9543 and D-9544. Intended as the first of a family of tip-jet driven helicopters the two H3 prototypes flew briefly but the method of rotor propulsion was found to be unsuccessful for this size of aircraft. Due to a high rotor overspeed, they could perform jump take-offs to 280 feet (85 m) at a rate of 1,600 feet (490 m) per minute.[1] An improved H4 variant was designed but not built.
| H3 Sprinter | |
|---|---|
| |
| VFW-Fokker H3 on display at the Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg | |
| Role | Experimental rotorcraft |
| Manufacturer | VFW-Fokker |
| First flight | 15 March 1971 |
| Produced | 2 |
Aircraft on display edit
Both aircraft have survived. D-9543 is currently on display at the Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg[2] with the other H3 thought to be in a private collection in Germany.
Specifications (H3) edit
Data from Jane's Pocket Book of Research and Experimental Aircraft, 1976.[3]
General characteristics
- Crew: One
- Capacity: 2 passengers and 270 kg (595 lb)
- Length: 7.37 m (24 ft 2.25 in)
- Wingspan: 8.70 m (28 ft 6.52 in)
- Height: 2.50 m (8 ft 2.43 in)
- Max takeoff weight: 968 kg (2,134 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Allison 250-C18 turboshaft
Performance
- Cruise speed: 250 km/h (155 mph, 135 kn)
- Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,120 ft)
See also edit
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References edit
- Notes
- ^ Robb, Raymond L. "Hybrid helicopters: Compounding the quest for speed Archived 2006-09-27 at the Wayback Machine", page 34. Vertiflite. American Helicopter Society, Summer 2006.
- ^ VFW H-3 Sprinter Retrieved: 21 April 2022
- ^ Taylor 1976, p. 243.
- Bibliography
- Taylor, John W.R. Jane's Pocket Book of Research and Experimental Aircraft, London, Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd, 1976. ISBN 0-356-08409-4.