Draft:Glenview GMP.I Flyride

The Glenview GMP.1 Flyride was a two-seater helicopter developed in 1947 by Frontline Helicopter Corp., but never saw mainstream use.

Description
The Flyride had a tilting head, and the rotor had no hinges. The engine was located in the nose of the helicopter, which was intended to balance out gravity. The Flyride had two control units: a stick and a conventional throttle. The stick rested on an arm between the two seats, and the throttle was adjacent. The Flyride had 3 lander wheels, and had a relatively unique "bubble cabin". It was relatively streamlined and all-metal, with a 125hp Lycoming engine providing power for the rotor.

History
The GMP.1 was developed in 1947 by Frontline Helicopter Corp. as the "Flyride" and the prototype, registration N544A, made its first flight in January of 1948. It was a streamlined all-metal monocoque helicopter with an automobile-style forward fuselage and forward-swept rotor pylon. Power was provided by a 125hp Lycoming engine. The Flyride had a single control stick to operate all functions and a system of linkage of blade pitch to the engine speed.

Frontline Helicopter was acquired by Glenview Metal Products and the machine became the GMP-1 Flyride. It was upgraded with a 135hp Lycoming in 1953 and was advertised to the public as the ideal personal helicopter, but never saw use.

General

 * Crew - 2
 * Engine - Lycoming rated 135 HP
 * Rotor diameter - 9.3 m
 * Length - 10.82 m
 * Height - 2.62 m
 * Weight (fully loaded) - 750 kg
 * Weight (empty) - 522 kg

Performance

 * Cruising speed - 144 km/h
 * Inclined climb - 366 m/min
 * Absolute ceiling - 3,810 m
 * Range - 448 km