I just found this item on You Tube. A look at a flying camper van from the 1970s. Basically, you take an old, retired US Army or Navy helicopter, strip out the existing interior, and re-fit it with a camper interior - kitchen, bathroom, living area, beds, and everything else you might need in the wilds, then fly off on your adventure.
A company called Orlando Helicopter Airways, of Orlando, Florida, came up with the original Heli-Camper idea, using ex-military Sikorsky S-55 and S-58 helicopters.
Then the Winnebago company (the major US producer of road-going motor homes) became involved, although it appears they were mainly interested in the publicity value rather than in actually producing what they called the Heli-home in large numbers.
Later, Orlando again offered the Heli-camper on their own, but only a handful of conversions were actually produced. Apart from being used for recreation, the helicopter could be fitted out as a mobile office, or field testing laboratory.
At first, I was not sure if this was real, or a spoof. But it seems it was a real proposal, and there is a fair amount of information on You Tube and elsewhere on this idea.
It even made the cover of Popular Mechanics magazine for September 1977, which featured a cut-away painting of a float-equipped S-58.
Well, that would certainly make for a 'different' model.
Seen anything like it?
Paul Adams from New Zealand
Fascinating stuff Paul and why not, a flying mobile home. Makes sense. I bet there's not a toy version though!
ReplyDeleteBarbie needs one, in Barbie Pink. Come on Mattel.
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