Sikorsky R-4B Hoverfly - RAF Museum, Hendon, London, UK
N 51° 35.845 W 000° 14.263
30U E 691311 N 5719878
This Sikorsky R-4B Hoverfly is located in the "Milestones of Flight" hall at the RAF Museum and is one of the aircraft suspended from the roof. It dates from December 1944 and has serial number KK995 - but refer to the detailed description.
Waymark Code: WMNFTE
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/08/2015
Views: 2
The RAF Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm with admission being free. Carparking is available but there is a charge. The nearest underground station is Colindale about a 10-15 minute walk away or a number 303 bus passes both the tube station and museum. The co-ordinates posted are for the entrance to the "Milestones of Flight" hall/exhibition entrance.
The serial number on the tail is "KK995" but the museum's record's show it as being "KL110". The history record for the helicopter show that the serial number is "KL110" but that parts from "KK995" were used.
The museum's website tells us about the Sikorsky Hoverfly:
Though only 133 Hoverfly 1s were built, the type holds a significant place in the history of both the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Force.
The Hoverfly was the first operational helicopter to be developed by the Americans and saw widespread use in the closing months of the war in the Pacific. The type was also the first helicopter used by the Royal Air Force and entered service with the Helicopter Training Flight at Andover and one was used for Radar Calibration by No.529 Squadron in 1945.
Although the first practical allied helicopter, the Hoverfly 1 had an inadequate load carrying capability and was used by the Royal Air Force mainly to prove the concept.
What makes this a milestone aircraft?
This is the first truly capable Allied helicopter. Whilst relatively underpowered it could do all the basic tasks carried out as a matter of course by modern helicopters.
The history of the aircraft can be seen here.