World’s Smallest Helicopter
Aug 29th, 2007 by Stefan
The GEN H-4 is the world’s smallest “manned” helicopter. Build by Japan’s Gene corporation, and distributed in the US by Ace Craft, the aircraft sells as an assembly kit for approximately $35,000.
The helicopter is powered by 4 lightweight 125 cc 2-cylinder engines and easily maintains straight and level flight should one engine fail. In the unlikely event that 2 engines fail at the same time, the small helicopter maintains its controllability, allowing the pilot to make a quick and safe emergency landing. A ballistic parachute above the mast is provided as well (just in case).
Two sets of coaxial, contra-rotating rotors eliminate the need for a tail rotor (no torque). Each rotor has a length of 4 meters (13 feet) making this craft easy to land in confined areas.
The GEN H-4 can fly to a maximum altitude of 1000 meters at a top speed of 90 km/hr (55 mph) for up to 60 minutes (depending on payload).
The inventors claim that anyone can master the H-4 in less than 2 hours (I seriously doubt that), and in some countries, you won’t need a pilot licence to fly it.
Anyway, since I am a helicopter pilot myself (R22), I would love to try this one (just once).
The helicopter is powered by 4 lightweight 125 cc 2-cylinder engines and easily maintains straight and level flight should one engine fail. In the unlikely event that 2 engines fail at the same time, the small helicopter maintains its controllability, allowing the pilot to make a quick and safe emergency landing. A ballistic parachute above the mast is provided as well (just in case).
Two sets of coaxial, contra-rotating rotors eliminate the need for a tail rotor (no torque). Each rotor has a length of 4 meters (13 feet) making this craft easy to land in confined areas.
The GEN H-4 can fly to a maximum altitude of 1000 meters at a top speed of 90 km/hr (55 mph) for up to 60 minutes (depending on payload).
The inventors claim that anyone can master the H-4 in less than 2 hours (I seriously doubt that), and in some countries, you won’t need a pilot licence to fly it.
Anyway, since I am a helicopter pilot myself (R22), I would love to try this one (just once).
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I can see the appeal, but after going up in a microlight myself (as a passenger) and not really enjoying it too much (i imagine probably a similar experience), its probably not for me!
thanks for the videos though.
Hi Dan,
Doesn’t look too safe, does it?
Thanks for your imput!