How Germans Created World's First Helicopter to Reach Production- Focke Achgelis Fa 223 'Drache'

Copyright Disclaimer: - Under section 107 of the copyright Act 1976, allowance is mad for FAIR USE for purpose such a as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statues that might otherwise be infringing. Non- Profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of FAIR USE. The Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 Drache or Dragon was the first production helicopter in aviation history, hitting 113 miles per hour at an altitude of 23,300 feet. Towards the close of World War II, the Luftwaffe ordered 400 Focke-Achgelis Fa 223s. However, owing to Allied bombardment, only 20 models were manufactured. Each Allied power was keen to learn about the Drache's distinctive design, which included a single radial engine and dual three-bladed rotors. After capturing two surviving versions, America returned one to the US, while Britain desired it and dispatched a German POW pilot to fly it over the English Channel.
The Nazis forced the removal of aviation pioneer Heinrich Focke from his firm owing to his unreliability. In 1936, the RLM reorganised the firm as a limited run corporation and transitioned it into constructing the Messerschmitt Bf 109. American International Telephone and Telegraph Company purchased a 28% stake in Focke-Wulf. The FW 61 prototype, the world's first practical helicopter, demanding design capable of hauling over 1500 pounds, pleased the RLM. The FW 61, designed by Focke-Achgelis and Gerd Achgelis, was ordered by Lufthansa in 1938.
The Fa 223 was a continuation of the Fa 226 Hornisse and the FW 61. The Fa 226 Hornisse was the world's first functional transport helicopter, but it required more development before it could be used in combat. A military version of the Fa 223 was produced after 100 hours of ground testing. It had counter spinning rotors on the outriggers and a radial engine contained in the fuselage, just as the FW 61. The first flight of the Fa 223 was in August 1940, with a multi-panel enclosure with flat plexiglass in the front region.
The Focke-Achgelis helicopter, powered by a 1000 horsepower Bramo 323 radial engine, deviated from Lufthansa's initial cargo helicopter mission. Despite slight instability during production trials, the helicopter's manoeuvrability and handling were superb. After satisfactory acceptance testing in 1942, RLM ordered 100 additional models. The second prototype was finished in July 1942, but ten Draka were lost due to bombing strikes, hindering manufacturing and leading the Allies to destroy components.