Early Helicopter

Sikorsky R-4 First helicopter to enter RAF service!

Your photo may very well be a photo of the first Hoverfly 1(Sikorsky R-4) to enter service. But the book I obtained my info from. ‘ RAF HELICOPTERS The First Twenty years’ by Wing Commander Dowling. Published by HMSO 1992. States that the Hoverfly 1 first was in service in 1944. The first helicopter pilot training course was held at RAF Andover in 1945 using the Hoverfly 2.

Having a quick check on net it seems as if the R4 was the RAF’s first helicopter, replacing the Cierva C.30A autogiro.

Interesting bodywork on the Dodge it’s hovering over, especially as it extends over where the bonnet usually is

It was one of these early RAF R4’s that ‘shot down’ a Spitfire. 😮

Whilst the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment was testing the Hoverfly’s ability to tow a banner (to advertise the Battle of Britain display at RAF Beaulieu) the banner cable towed by Hoverfly 1 KK978 was struck by Spitfire NH840 (The AFEE report recorded it as Cat 5) this was on 9 August 45.

Also check out Air Britains’ The Hoverfly File…

I was surprised how many R-4 (Hoverfly Is) and R-6s (Hoverfly IIs) were received from the U.S.

Interesting bodywork on the Dodge it’s hovering over, especially as it extends over where the bonnet usually is

It’s LHD and looks very much like an American milk truck (milk float).

Another take on it. From Air Reserve Gazette.

John

I wonder how many of the Church Army wore Red berrets and para wings? :rolleyes:

I notice there’s a Pegasus flash below the windscreen wiper.