The Aerospace History Blog - Page 09
Post 046
Helicopter with Pusher Prop 2022/1936
A Boeing/SIkorsky press release on the Defiant X stealth helicopter
reminded me of a beautiful science fiction prediction. Boeing
advertises that the Defiant X's pusher prop "provides ... a high degree
of maneuverability through quick acceleration and deceleration."
Images of the helicopter from the 1936 feature film “Shape of Things
to Come”, based on the novel by H.G. Wells, show exactly this
propeller arrangement. The futuristic cockpit is also noteworthy. With
this helicopter, the main characters of this film fly to a huge cannon,
firing them with a capsule to the moon. The film shows many
impressive predictions, such as the bombing of London in 1940 in a
world war or airplanes as flying wing. Television and video telephony
or the use of helicopters are presented as self-evident technologies of
the future.
If you haven't seen "Shape" yet, you're missing out on a masterpiece.
Posted by Uwe W. Jack
The pusher prop of the Defiant X is clearly
visible in the graphic.
(click to enlarge)
The prototype of the Boeing/Sikorsky “Defiant X” made his maiden flight at March 19th, 2019.
It is a technology demonstrator for high velocity and stealth characteristics.
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is prohibited.)
This beautiful streamlined helicopter was designed for the 1936 feature film
“Shape of Things to Come”. Note pusher prop in the fishtail, streamline
covered landing gear and the extensively glazed cockpit.
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is prohibited.)
The cockpit with two joystick looks
very modern.
(click to enlarge - the file may not be
modified - commercial use is
prohibited.)
After landing, the occupants exit the helicopter through a door with built-in stairs.
Only with the clothes in the future (in ancient Romans style), the film designers
were wrong.
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is prohibited.)
Post 047
Old Books on Aviation from the Flea Market
The beginning of spring 2022 meant that the first flea markets
opened. It was a good start! I was able to purchase two historical
books on aviation for a total of around 100 euros.
The special issue of the magazine "Die Woche" on aviation with the
title "Aviatik" dates back to 1908. It shows an excellently selected
image of worldwide aviation in the year 1908.
A book from the Berlin department store Nathan Israel dates from
1909. Founded in 1815 the company was one of the best top
department stores in the world. The Nazis forced the jewish Israel
family to sell their company in 1939. The building of the department
store was destroyed during a bombing attack on Berlin.
With an annual calendar, articles on current topics are published in
this book. In addition to the news of the German Kaiser family, for
example, the actor stars of the German theaters are presented. One
chapter shows the German aviation scene as of the summer of 1908.
Posted by Uwe W. Jack
With still cold fingers I proudly present the
booty of the day.
Some of the strange looking German aircraft designs of the year 1908.
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is prohibited.)
In the old days, front pages were designed
by artists. Pre WWI in beautiful Art Deco
style. (click to enlarge - the file may not be
modified - commercial use is prohibited.)
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is
prohibited.)
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is
prohibited.)
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is
prohibited.)
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is
prohibited.)
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is
prohibited.)
The year book for 1909 published by the
Berlin department store Nathan Israel.
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified
- commercial use is prohibited.)
As proud Germans, the Jewish family Israel dedicated the first page of
the book to His Imperial Highness, Wilhelm II.
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use is
prohibited.)
In Berlin there was a very busy scene of balloonists.
(click to enlarge - the file may not be modified - commercial use
is prohibited.)
Nothing has changed there for over 100 years: Actors were (and are)
persons of public interest. (click to enlarge - the file may not be
modified - commercial use is prohibited.)
Back then, model airplanes were just as important as the big
airplanes. (click to enlarge - the file may not be modified -
commercial use is prohibited.)
