I came across a reference to a WW2 German firm called Nager-Rolz, who manufactured a portable helicopter. It had two rotor blades driven by 8hp motors, providing torqueless drive. The first model was called NR 54 V2, in 1941. Apparently 4 were ordered for military field development, however the project was not proceeded with. The reference book is a Arms and Armour publication, Air warfare, The encyclopedia of 20th Century conflict. Has any reader knowledge of this particular helicopter as I have failed to find any articles on the subject. :sign_help:
Interesting device. Any use? : Nagler-Rolz NR 54 helicopter - development history, photos, technical data LuftArchiv.de - Das Archiv der Deutschen Luftwaffe Translated version of above. Few pictures and a small plan here: Image and Film Galleries Looks equally as scary as that autogyro(?) for towing behind U-boats at Duxford/Cosford: The Virtual Aviation Museum - Focke Achgelis FA 330 Bachstelze Though perhaps not as unnerving as a Rotabuggy . Cheers, Adam.
Von Poop, Many thanks for the wonderful web links that you so kindly provided. Obviously I had been searching in the wrong places! Back in August 2003 I attended an airshow at Rechlin/Lärz airfield and was looking at a book at the bookstall, when the proprietor explained to me that the author of the book I was looking at was present and would answer any questions. This man turned out to be the WW2 Test pilot, Richard Perlia who was then in his 99th year! and lived in Berlin. Needless to say I bought the book , with a lovely written dedication for me. I can recommend the book called ' Mal oben Mal Unten' and is an interesting life history of Ex Test Pilot. ISBN 3-933304-03-2 He was test pilot for Flettner, flying the helicopters that were developed. He also worked as a test pilot for Arado and Junkers. A very interesting man to talk with. Regards and thanks again. Tom
Hi, talking of german helicopters i have always had a question that i would like answered, it in the film " where eagles dare " is it accurate to show such a developed german helicopter landing in the courtyard at that stage of the war, pre d-day, i have not a clue about ww2 helicopters but it has always intrigued me and i would be interested to hear the answer. Thank for any help. Mervyn
The Helicopter from where eagles dare is a 1947 Bell model... don't know why I know that, I just do . No, as far as I know it's not accurate to show the German's with a developed Helicopter. I think the Allies were a smidge more advanced but I'm useless on aviation stuff so may be off-beam with that. Was looking at some 'just' wartime allied models on IWM collections the other day but now can't remember the name. Edit: NOT SO! - see corrections below... I really should avoid these Flying Machines and stick with things on wheels and tracks. Cheers, Adam.
He was test pilot for Flettner, flying the helicopters that were developed. He also worked as a test pilot for Arado and Junkers. Tom Flettner Fl-282 Kolibri Nazi Helicopter
Thanks Adam should have asked about a tank, don't know why they put it in as it looks so out of place. cheers. Mervyn.
Adam, I need to do a little research, but I seem to recollect reading an article several years ago about a German helicopter being used to rescue a downed pilot behind enemy lines (Not sure but think it was on the eastern front late in the war). Regards Tom
Adam, I could not find my original reference book, but on searching the internet discovered an artical confirming that a Focke-Achgelis 223 was used in Feburary 1945 to pick up a downed Bf109 pilot near Danzig and overflew the Russian forces to safety. The flight started at Templehof Aerodrome at Berlin and covered 1041 miles, proving the usefulness of the machine. Regards Tom
Stumbled onto this page about Early german Helicopters while looking for stuff on 'rocket belts' . Helicopters built in Germany before 1945 Some good stuff on that 223 beast there, I can only assume it was able to overfly Soviet lines as they were all too busy wondering what on earth it was and forgetting to shoot! Also the pages on a chap called Paul Baumgartl & his designs seem relevant to the 'one man helicopter' query: Baumgartl Heliofly I helicopter - development history, photos, technical data Baumgartl Heliofly III-57 helicopter - development history, photos, technical data Baumgartl Heliofly III-59 helicopter - development history, photos, technical data I suspect I'll never be any real use on aviation in wartime, very deep waters for me, but these early helicopters are fascinating.
