Demonstration of the Vought-Sikorsky XR-4 to the US military and Government

Description

This flight demonstration proved pivotal in encouraging the US Army to procure helicopters for evaluation.

The aircraft was flown by Sikorsky test pilot Les Morris and included 'spearing' a ring on the pitot probe, lowering a net full of eggs to the ground (and not breaking any) to demonstrate the controllability of the craft.

Attendees included members of the US military (including Col. Frank Gregory, USAAF,  who had a significant role in the early assessment and subsequent procurement of rotary wing aircraft by the US military), US Government (inc. NACA) and representatives from the British military.

Source: Mandel Lenkowsky Collection, Box 2 Folder 7, National Air and Space Museum Archives