Heliofly I and III

[Adler]

In 1940 Austrian inventor Paul Baumgärtl created the world's first backpack helicopter, the Heliofly. The first design (Heliofly I) was essentially designed as a parachute, which would allow soldiers to descend from mountains and hills (and potentially engage in combat while flying). It weighed 17.5 kg and could be easily transported by a single person like a backpack.

In 1942, Paul Baumgärtl created the Heliofly III/57, which was an enlarged version of the previous model, and had an engine, making it the first true helicopter of the series. There was also a later /59 version, however that one featured a seat and was closer to a micro helicopter than a backpack helicopter.

Very little info on these projects, if anyone has anything, please share.

 

[dan_inbox]

Photo of a Baumgärtl Heliofly III/59:

 

[Stargazer]

Drawings of the Baumgartl Heliofly I from my files:

 

[Steve Coates]

Frustratingly, virtually nothing has come to light on Paul Baumgartl beyond what Capt. Liptrot published in BIOS Overall Report No. 8.

 

[riggerrob]

In 1940 Austrian inventor Paul Baumgärtl created the world's first backpack helicopter, the Heliofly. The first design (Heliofly I) was essentially designed as a parachute, which would allow soldiers to descend from mountains and hills (and potentially engage in combat while flying). It weighed 17.5 kg and could be easily transported by a single person like a backpack.

In 1942, Paul Baumgärtl created the Heliofly III/57, which was an enlarged version of the previous model, and had an engine, making it the first true helicopter of the series. There was also a later /59 version, however that one featured a seat and was closer to a micro helicopter than a backpack helicopter.

Very little info on these projects, if anyone has anything, please share.

View attachment 764867

Common parachute harness configuration with a quick-release box/buckle on the belly.