Modern Mechanix -- Helicopter Cavalry

[TomS]

So, in 1956, Modern Mechanix had a pretty bonkers article (which MM articles weren't, though?) about "helicopter cavalry" showing a one-man tip-powered rotor ultralight helicopter as a sort of horse replacement for cavalry. The question is, was this based on any actual design concept or was it totally an artist's fantasy?

 

[GTX]

I suppose some of the Hiller concepts/developments (such as that shown below) might fit the bill but I suspect the exact one shown in that article is just a concept.

Another similar concept is this:

 

[TomS]

Thanks! The Hiller design was clearly a major inspiration here, despite the very different rotor system.

 

[Stargazer]

Don't forget that this is Frank Tinsley artwork.
Although he based his artwork in real or plausible concepts, there was often an element of fantasy in his work.

 

[TomS]

I'm not familiar with Tinsley's other work. Based on this article, "fantasy with an element of reality" might be closer to the mark.

 

[dan_inbox]

Autogyro Cavalry

While the West made pretty pictures and precious little practical hardware, elsewhere they developped a practical autogyro.
The Shaanxi "Hunting Eagle" gyrocopter was in field tests in 2014.

Just imagine swarms of those in your logistics areas...
Or a dozen spec ops operators with silent-engine versions of it.

 

[Jemiba]

We've all seen this ... a long time ago, in a galaxy far away ...
(picture via https://geektyrant.com/news/star-wars-scout-trooper-and-speeder-bike-action-figure-review-sideshow-collectibles)

 

[martinbayer]

James Bond had one of those half a century ago: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallis_WA-116_Agile

Martin

 

[jsport]

Re: Autogyro Cavalry

While the West made pretty pictures and precious little practical hardware, elsewhere they developped a practical autogyro.
The Shaanxi "Hunting Eagle" gyrocopter was in field tests in 2014.

Just imagine swarms of those in your logistics areas...
Or a dozen spec ops operators with silent-engine versions of it.

frightening for real

 

[RAP]

Is this really practical? Would they fire the AT rocket or bazooka, whatever it is in flight?. I can image the blast interfering with the tail rotor and main rotor if they did and I would not want to be the crewmember on the other side. Also no armor protection. Is it meant as a troop transport or some kind of light attack vehicle?