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.Â
10. Mil Mi -32
Just look at it!
 9. Hiller YH-32Â
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!
5. Convair Model 49
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.Â
Follow my vapour trail on Twitter:Â @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.Â
Follow my vapour trail on Twitter:Â @Hush_kit
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Twitter:Â @Hush_kit
Most of those looks kick ass! That AH-56 the most!
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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?
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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.