HOME  Focke Achgelis FA-223 |
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Focke Achgelis FA-223 Drache
Click on the photo to hear the wav sound.
NOTE: RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
On
August 3, 1940, the Focke Achgelis FA-223 Drache (Dragon) first flew
for the first time. It went on to become the world's first transport
helicopter.
In Oct. 1940 Karl Bode flew a prototype FA-223 Drache,
breaking records for helicopter speed, climb rate and ceiling. Based on
the results of test flights, an initial order was placed by the
military for 30 helicopters with materials ordered for an additional 70. Three prototypes
were eventually produced.
Initial production was to be in five
versions: Anti submarine, observation, recon, rescue, transport, and as
a trainer. After further testing it was decided to produce the Focke Achgelis FA-223 Drache
in one adaptable version instead of the five as originally planned. As
with many German WW II military projects, production was limited due to
government indecision plus the Allied bombing of supplies and
manufacturing facilities.
In Dec. 1944 Heinrich Focke began a new assembly line for the Focke Achgelis FA-223 Drache. Five helicopters
were built before the factory was captured by the Allies. When the Red
Army took over the factory they found three helicopters in production.
The Americans captured an operational FA-223
Drache and turned it over to the British for evaluation. It had
accumulated 170 flying hours; more than any other helicopter. The helicopter
was flown from Germany to England on Sept. 6, 1945. This was the first
time a helicopter had ever been flown across the English Channel.
Unfortunately it crashed during its first test flight in England. The fate of the remaining captured helicopters is unknown.
After the war, both Czechoslovakia and France built helicopters based on the FA 223.
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Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Seats:
Engine:
Horsepower:
Length:
Height:
Rotor:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
First Flight:
Year Deployed: |
transport
one
twelve
BMW Bramo 323 D9
1 x 1,000 hp
49' 1"
14' 4"
2- 39' 5" ea.
7,000 lbs.
9,500 lbs.
75 mph
110 mph
800 fpm (est.)
23,000 feet
435 miles
8/3/40
1942 |
FA-223 from below.
FA-223 from front.
FA-223 parked.
Radio Control Helicopters
The Focke Achgelis FA-223 Drache would make and interesting and somewhat complex radio control helicopter.
If you know of a rc Focke Achgelis FA-223 Drache please email us.
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