The Manzolini helicopters

[hesham]

Hi,

Possibly the smallest helicopter in existence, this 80hp Brondetti two-seater was exhibited recently
in Rome. Intended range is 640km, but whether it has made its first flight is as yet unknown.

http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/brondetti.php

https://books.google.com.eg/books?id=mdgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA129&lpg=PA129&dq=Brondetti+helicopter&source=bl&ots=Qxb1OKsI87&sig=5orJf1yEeVWtpkd-etyO_qD7bdY&hl=ar&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiVpduQ19vfAhWJaVAKHX1lC0EQ6AEwCHoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

[Arjen]

Possibly the smallest helicopter in existence

The Dornier Do 32 was even smaller, and if you start looking at unmanned helicopters - well, you get the idea.
http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/dorn_do-32.php
Also check Hoppi-Copter , Hiller ROE and Gyrodyne RON.

 

[hesham]

By that time only my dear Arjen.

 

[Arjen]

1948 for the Hoppi-Copter

 

[walter]

Hi Arjen
This small heli has been bothering me for many years. I have seen it described as a design of Mr. Frederico Brondetti with involvement of Count Ettore Manzolini and Mr. Gianini. (BGM-2 = Brondetti, Gianini, Manzolini.?)
However, on youtube.com/watch?v=-3is9F9DvgA this heli is called the (Fernandino?) Bordoni BGM-2.
And.... there could be a connection with the MGP-2 Libellula (I-MANN) which may or may not have been
known as the BGM-1.
Can anyone help me stop bothering?

 

[hesham]

My dear Walter,

I never heard about that,but I will check.

 

[persil]

I am aware of several helicopters which apparently Mr Manzolini was involved in. However I have problems with precisely name them and put in context.
The names I know are Libellula - Libellula IV, and the BGM-2

HELI 1: For starters BGM-2:

In the last pic, however, it is called BGM-2 Libellula (screen from the L'Ala 10-31 Maggio 1950)
Some say that BGM stands for Brondetti, Gianini, Manzolini, however the first guy is most likely Mr Bordoni.

Links:

1. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K266eschTik&t=26
2. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3is9F9DvgA&t=25

HELI 2: This one I found to be called Libellula:



HELI 3: Known as Libellula II is (was) presented at the Museum Caproni.



HELI 4: In couple of places can be found as Libellula III:


HELI 5: Libellula IV - this one is mentioned in the book: Helicopters and Autogyros of the World by Paul Lambermont. No pictures available to me.

HELI 6: This one is the most disturbing for me. In the video it is called just Libellula by Manzolini. But it is a two-seater - so matches the Libellula III descriptions, but is different and resembles the general layout of Libellula II, although it has more front windshield panes, single fuel tank and V-shaped empennage.

Links:

1. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwudRZVpqaE&t=48s

Do you have some more information on those helicopters?