Focke-Wulf Fw 61 / Fa 61

History

A gyroplane is a unique breed of aircraft that is more like a fixed wing than a true helicopter. The main rotor above the rotor system is a free-spinning element used to generate lift, while the traditional engine-propeller arrangement actually propels the aircraft forward. Therefore, gyroplanes usually land or take off vertically, just like a helicopter.

The concept came to the fore in 1923 when Spanish engineer Juan de la Cierva presented his "Autogiro" to the world. He later collaborated with industrialist James George Weir to develop the concept under the brand label of the Cierva Autogiro company, which was licensed worldwide.

The rotorcraft concept developed in the second half of the 1920s and early 1930s. Henrich Focke von Focke-Wulf - manufacturer of the classic WWII-era Fw 190 fighter - took over licensed production of the Cierva Model C-30 during the interwar period, an experience that led him to consider a helicopter design to remove the limitations inherent in rotorcraft - Vertical Takeoff and Landing - A key limitation of the Cierva gyrocopter and its ilk.

In 1932 he collaborated with Gerd Achgelis on such a product, and in this work the Fw 61 appeared.

Focke-Wulf's interest in helicopters continues, since the creation of the Focke-Achgelis brand label in 1937 with the aim of developing such products to provide increased performance and stability for real-world missions (military and civilian) . The company delivered several short-lived helicopter designs during World War II, starting with the Fa 223 transport aircraft (20 produced) and ending with the Fa 336 prototype in 1944. There is no doubt that the German military had a strong interest in the helicopter concept before they failed - these aircraft were used in missions such as submarine/ship reconnaissance, sea and air rescue, aircraft recovery, medical evacuation and supply mules for mountain troops effect.

However, only a few are used for operations, and the number is very limited.

During this period, Freitner also delivered several helicopter concepts for the German military, whose contributions can also be found on this page.

One of the more interesting Focke-Achgelis helicopter projects is the Fa 269, a VTOL point defense fighter considered by the RLM before the end of the war. It wasn't built, but a lot of work went into the project, including full-scale models and components, before it was cancelled.

Much was lost in the Allied airstrike, which delayed the plan and forced its cancellation.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes