Focke Achgelis Fa 223

The Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 Drache ("Dragon") was a helicopter developed by Germany during World War II. Noted for being the first helicopter to attain production status, Allied offensive actions limited production and approximately only 20 were made. It was powered by a 1,000 horsepower radial engine (Bramo 323) which drove two, three-bladed 39 foot rotors, each mounted on twin booms on either side of the 40 foot long cylindrical fuselage. The Fa 223 Drache could reach impressive speed, up to 115 mph and heights up to 23,000 feet. The Dragon, as the aircraft came to be known, could transport loads up to 2,200 lbs. at slower speeds and lower altitudes. During WWII an Fa 223 Drache is said to performed the first helicopter air medevacs. A captured Fa 223 Drache was the first helicopter to cross the English Channel.
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