3 Germany’s WWII Secret Helicopters That Were Ahead of Their Time

The concept of helicopters during World War II might sound like something from a science fiction novel, but Germany was already exploring the possibilities of rotorcraft. While most nations focused on conventional aircraft, Germany pushed the boundaries of aviation by developing some of the earliest functional helicopters. These machines were not designed to replace fighter planes or bombers but were meant for specialized missions like reconnaissance and naval support. Although their deployment was limited, they demonstrated the potential of vertical flight, paving the way for post-war helicopter advancements. Here are three remarkable examples of Germany’s WWII helicopters.

Focke-Wulf FW 61

The Focke-Wulf FW 61 is widely considered the world’s first practical helicopter. Designed in 1936 by Heinrich Focke, this rotorcraft featured a single engine that powered two counter-rotating rotors mounted on outriggers. It was a groundbreaking achievement, demonstrating unprecedented levels of agility and control for its time. In 1937, Hanna Reitsch, a prominent German test pilot, flew the FW 61 indoors at a Berlin sports arena, showcasing its capabilities to an astonished audience. Though never intended for combat, the FW 61’s innovative design marked a significant milestone in the development of vertical flight.

Flettner FL 282

The Flettner FL 282, also known as the Kolibri (Hummingbird), was a two-seat reconnaissance helicopter that saw limited use during the war. Designed by Anton Flettner, it featured an intermeshing rotor system that eliminated the need for a tail rotor. This design made it compact and highly maneuverable, which was especially advantageous for naval operations. The FL 282 was primarily used by the German Navy for tasks such as artillery spotting and reconnaissance. Its ability to take off and land on ships offered a unique advantage over traditional fixed-wing aircraft. However, its impact was constrained by its small production numbers and vulnerability to anti-aircraft fire.

Focke-Achgelis Fa 330

The Focke-Achgelis Fa 330, nicknamed the Bachstelze (Wagtail), was a different kind of rotorcraft. Unlike powered helicopters, the Fa 330 was an unpowered gyrocopter designed for use by German submarines. Compact and easy to assemble, it was towed behind a submarine on a long cable. As the submarine moved forward, the airflow caused the rotor to spin, lifting the gyrocopter and its pilot into the air. This setup dramatically extended the submarine’s reconnaissance range, allowing the pilot to spot potential threats or targets from hundreds of meters above the water. However, its reliance on specific conditions and the risk to the pilot in case of an emergency limited its practicality.

Germany’s wartime experiments with helicopters were groundbreaking, showcasing the potential of rotorcraft for specialized military roles. From the innovative FW 61 to the combat-tested FL 282 and the unconventional Fa 330, these machines highlighted the possibilities of vertical flight, even if their impact on the war itself was minimal due to technical and logistical challenges.