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Home > Fact Sheets > McDonnell XH-20 Little Henry
MCDONNELL XH-20 LITTLE HENRY
Posted 8/26/2009
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DAYTON, Ohio -- McDonnell XH-20 Little Henry in the Research & Development Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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Note: This aircraft is located in the Research & Development Gallery on a secure part of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Click here for visiting instructions.
The XH-20, the world's first ram-jet helicopter, was designed to serve as a test stand for studying the feasibility of using ram-jets mounted at the tips of rotor blades for power. After preliminary engineering developments, the ram-jets were mounted on a two-bladed rotor which was subsequently mounted a welded tube structure. This structure, which served as the desired test stand, was capable of controlled free flight while carrying a pilot and was therefore classified as a helicopter.
The XH-20 made a flight on May 5, 1947, but its fuel was delivered to it through a flexible line from tanks on the ground. On May 20, 1948, it made its first flight several feet off the ground while carrying self-contained fuel tanks. Being a test stand, Little Henry was never intended to fly at any appreciable altitudes or distances.
The XH-20 on display, the only one built and flown, was obtained by the museum in June 1953.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Rotor diameter: 20 ft.
Fuselage length: 12 ft. 4 in.
Height: 6 ft. 8 in.
Weight: 290 lbs. empty
Armament: None
Engine: Two McDonnell-developed ram-jets mounted at the rotor tips
Serial number: 46-689
PERFORMANCE:
Maximum forward speed: Approx. 50 mph
Rotor tip speed: 410 mph
Click here to return to the Research & Development Gallery.
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