The Sikorsky R-4, or Hoverfly as it was known in RAF service (Gadfly within the RN), was not the first helicopter to fly but was the first true helicopter to go into production, it's first military combat operation was in May 1944 with the US Army where the "rotary-aircraft" was soon labelled an "Egg-Beater" long before the word Helicopter was applied to the type. The R-4B had little payload capability, was slow with little range so was only really useful for observation and communication purposes. As an pioneering design it's service life was short by modern standards, Sikorsky soon designing the far improved, larger and more versatile Sikorsky H-5 as it's intended replasment. Sikorsky R-4B Hoverfly Specifications: - Crew: Pilot only
- Length: 33 ft 8 in (10.2 m)
- Rotor diameter: 38 ft (11.5 m)
- Height: 12 ft 5 in (3.8 m)
- Loaded weight: 2,581 lb (1,170 kg)
- Engine: Single 200 hp (149 kW) Warner R-550 piston engine
- Maximum speed: 75 mph (120 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 65 mph (105 km/h)
- Service ceiling: 8,000 ft (2400 m)
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