First helicopter to fly with a gas turbine powered transmission (Kaman K-225 modification)

Tuesday, December 11, 1951

 

Description

This was the first time a gas turbine engine had been used to apply power through a conventional helicopter gearbox. A Kaman K-225 was used as the base aircraft, and used a Boeing 502-2 (YT50) engine.

Gas turbine engines have subsequently become the de facto engine technology for the majority of VTOL aircraft other than small aircraft.

Source: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum | Kaman K-225

 

Aircraft related to this milestone
Kaman K-225 (Turbine)

Attribution

Related biographies
Charles H. Kaman