The Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 Drachen

In 1938, the famous pilot Hanna Reitsch made demonstration flights inside the Deutschlandhalle, the huge stadium-gym in Berlin, aboard a prototype single-seater helicopter Focke-Wulf Fw-61 "Hornisse" Hornet). The RLM, immediately interested in the potential of such an apparatus in the military field, asked Heinrich Focke to study the development of this machine. The engineer then joined forces with Gerd Achgelis and designed a first machine called Focke-Achgelis Fa-223 V1, the first of which began in the autumn of 1939. 

The aircraft, known as the "Drache", was much larger than its predecessor, but retained substantially the same characteristics: a metallic tubular structure covered with an air-cooled radial motor driving two lateral counter-rotating rotors which had an original tray device Allowing the pilot to control each blade individually. This system is generally still used today. The craft was resting on a fixed tricycle landing gear.

The first of the eleven built prototypes was stolen on 8 March 1940, and each of them was tested in many areas for the variety of models envisaged: two 250-kg bombs or survival equipment, Winch and 30-meter sling capable of lifting 700 Kg of load (Patrol and Rescue Marine A and B versions, Infantry Support C), 5 passenger transport or 500 Kg of freight (version D) and training (version E ). The Fa-223 could also be equipped with a 300-liter fuel tank for the conveyor missions.

The series construction of the Drache began at the end of 1941 (with entry into service at the beginning of 1942) and ceased in 1945 with a total of 43 aircraft, in addition to the 11 prototypes. Allies having destroyed most of the production sites, only 20 copies of the first helicopter in the truly operational world were used.

In September 1945, a British-captured copy, piloted by a German crew, was the first helicopter to cross the English Channel, seventeen years after the Cierva C.8L autogyro. Destined for the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment in the south of England, it crashed a few days later during tests.

After the war, two copies of the Fa-223 were built in Czechoslovakia and France. The latter, with minor differences, was produced by the SNCASE under the designation SE 3000 and flew on 23 October 1948. It is at the origin of the helicopter division of what was to become the Aerospace Division, now Eurocopter.

Specifications :
Crew 2
Passengers 3
Length 12.25 m
Height 4.35 m
Hull width 1.65 m
Rotor Ø 2 × 12.0 m
Empty weight 3,180 kg
Max. Starting weight 4.434 kg
Maximum speed 182 km / h
Cruising speed 122 km / h
Range 300 km (700 km with additional tank)
Service height 2.010 m
Engine starter motor BMW-Bramo 323 D

Power 735 kW (1,000 hp)

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