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A helicopter is an aircraft which is lifted and propelled by one or more large horizontal rotors ( propellers). Helicopters are classified as rotary-wing aircraft to distinguish them from conventional fixed-wing aircraft. The word helicopter is derived from the Greek words helix (spiral) and pteron (wing).
Since around 400 BC the Chinese had a flying top that was used as a children's toy. Incidentally, the Wright brothers were given this toy as kids and were very much fascinated by it. This toy eventually made its way to Europe via trade and it has been depicted in a 1463 painting. "Pao Phu Tau" was 4th century AD book in China that described some of the ideas in a rotary wing aircraft.
The first somewhat practical idea of a human carrying helicopter was first conceived by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, but it was not until after the invention of the powered aeroplane in the 20th century that actual models were produced. Developers such as Louis Breguet, Paul Cornu, Juan de la Cierva, Emile BerlinerEmile Berliner ( May 20, 1851 August 3, 1929) was an inventor, best known for developing the disc record gramophone phonograph in American English). Born Emil Berliner in Hanover, Germany, he emigrated to the United States of America in 1870, establishing, and Igor SikorskyIgor Ivanovich Sikorsky ( May 25, 1889 October 26, 1972) was a Ukrainian-born pioneer of aviation who designed the first four-engine aeroplanes and the first modern helicopter. Igor Sikorsky was born in Kiev, Ukraine and studied at the Naval War College i pioneered this type of aircraft. A flight of the first fully controllable helicopter Focke-Wulf Fw 61The Focke-Wulf Fw 61 was the first fully controllable helicopter. It first flew in 1934. Heinrich Focke and engineer Gerd Achgelis started the design for this helicopter in 1932. The airframe was based on that of a well-tried training aircraft. A single e was demonstrated by Hanna ReitschHanna Reitsch in the Fa 61 Hanna Reitsch ( March 29, 1912 August 24, 1979) was a famous World War II German test pilot, and a favourite of the upper echelon of the Nazi party. Hanna was born the daughter of an ophthalmologist and was in training to become 1936Events January-February January 15 The first building to be completely covered in glass is completed in Toledo, Ohio, for the Owens-Illinois Glass Company. January 20 Death of George V of the United Kingdom. His son Edward VIII succeedes him as King of th in BerlinBerlin [ bɛrˈliːn ] is the national capital of Germany and its largest city, with 3,387,404 inhabitants (as of September 2004); down from 4. 5 million before World War II. Berlin is located on the rivers Spree and Havel in the northea, Germany.
Helicopters have many uses, both militaryMilitary (from latin militarius miles "soldier") as an adjective describes anything related to soldiers and warfare. Used as a noun, it is equivalent to Armed force. See also Armed force Martial art Militaria Military history Military rule Military by cou and civil, including troop transportation, infantry support, firefighting, shipboard operations, business transportation, casualty evacuation (including MEDEVAC, and air/sea/mountain rescue), police and civilian surveillance, carrying goods (some helicopters can carry slung loads, accommodating awkwardly shaped items), or as a mount for still, film or television cameras.
Compared to conventional fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters are much more complex, more expensive to buy and operate, relatively slow, have poor range and restricted payload. The compensating advantage is maneuverability: helicopters can hover in place, reverse, and above all take off and land vertically. Subject only to refueling facilities and load/altitude limitations, a helicopter can travel to any location, and land anywhere with a clearing a rotor disk and a half in diameter.
