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The
Hoppicopter was designed by Horace Pentecost of Seattle,
Washington during World War II as a replacement for paratroopers'
parachutes. Twin co-axial rotors were powered by a 20 hp
engine.
A few test hops were made; however, relying on the
pilots feet for landing gear was inherently dangerous. If the
pilot stumbled on landing, the rotating rotors would quickly turn
into thousands of lethal splinters.
An improved
version was developed with landing gear. |