McDonnell XHJH Whirlaway

The McDonnell XHJH Whirlaway, aka McDonnell Model 37, was a 1940s American experimental transverse-rotor helicopter designed and built by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation for the United States Navy and was the largest helicopter at the time, as well as the first successful twin-engined twin-rotor helicopter in the world.

Design and development
In 1944, the United States Navy issued a requirement for a large rescue helicopter with capacity for ten occupants. The design was originally designated XHJD-1; shortly after flying it was re-designated the XHJH-1. It was derived from the single-engined, twin rotor Platt-LePage XR-1. James McDonnell had invested in that company in 1942 and some of his engineers had been working there, gaining experience of helicopter design and production techniques. McDonnell took control of the company in June 1944. The XHJH-1 first flew two months later. It had twin side-by-side 46 ft rotors at the end of pylon wings which turned in opposite directions. Each rotor was powered by a 450 hp Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-14B Wasp Junior engine.

Variants

 * XHJD-1
 * Original United States Navy designation.


 * XHJH-1
 * Designation changed before first flight.

Aircraft on display
The sole XHJH-1 is held by the National Air and Space Museum.