Tokyo, Japan – May 15, 2008 — The world's smallest one-man helicopter will take flight this month in Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci who is credited with having first thought of a vertical-flight machine, AFP reported.
The 155-pound helicopter will make a demonstration flight on May 25, according to Japanese developer Gennai Yanagisawa of Gen Corp.
"Since the concept of our helicopter came from Italy, I always wanted to take a flight in the birthplace of da Vinci," Yanagisawa said. "I feel like I'm greeting an ancestor. I hope da Vinci would be pleased.
Yanagisawa told AFP he went to Vinci in February and received the blessing of Mayor Dario Parrini.
The helicopter, named GEN H-4, has a set of two rotors turning in opposite directions and can fly at a maximum speed of 31 mph.
In February, Guinness World Records recognized it as the world's smallest helicopter that can carry a person.
Da Vinci’s sketch, dated 1493 and discovered in the 19th century, shows a vertical flight machine. As in the drawing, the GEN H-4 has no tail.
The current kit model is being sold through AceCraft USA and is priced at $59,500. It takes 30-40 hours to assemble it. So far, Yanagisawa has sold five units in Japan and two in the United States.
Former model BDH-4 was exhibited at EAA Air Venture Oshkosh in 1997, but since it used small electric motors turning propellers to control the yaw, its performance was marginal. In 1998 a new system for yaw control utilizing an electric motor to differentiate the rotor rpm was completed, allowing the yaw to be controlled easily by the pilot’s left thumb. At that time the BDH-4 was re-named GEN-H-4. The current model flew before spectators at AirVenture in 1998-2000.
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The GEN-H4 sells for $59,500 US. Photo: AeroCraft USA
The GEN-H$ helicopter flew before spectators at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh from 1998-2000. Photo : EAA Today
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