FW-61 the first practical helicopter

The Germans first flew a twin rotor FW-61 helicopter in 1938. In fact, if was flow every day for a month inside a sports arena. The FW-61, with upgraded engines, was later able to lift a field howitzer or a military truck. American helicopters were not able to lift such loads until the mid 1960s.

Other German Helicopters

The Nazi Defense Ministry had even ordered one helicopter to be armed with machine guns, the first helicopter gunship. Most of the German helicopters served in northern Italy or on the Russian front so Americans rarely saw them in action. One of the more interesting versions, The FA-330 Wagtail, had no engine but was pulled behind a submarine. The observer/pilot, on the end of a 500 foot cable, could see up to 25 nautical miles while the submarine could only see 5 nautical miles. This motor less version was used in the Indian Ocean by submarines that rented refueling facilities from the Japanese.

Online Videos

I was amazed to find online videos of each helicopter.

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