You both know that I spent some time on an aircraft carrier converted to carry helicopters. It also had some Piper Cubs. There were two kinds of helicopters. One was the common Skorskys that ferried us around. Called the H-34 Choctaw, it carried 18 passengers. We'd often be weighed before boarding to ensure it wasn't overloaded. My boarding weight was ca. 300lbs., 195 was my weight, plus 100lbs, of gear. There is no mystery about that helicopter.
The mystery is about the other type of helicopter aboard ship. It was a small two-seater the Marines used for reconnaissance. It had twin rotors projecting from the roof which turned in opposite directions. This negated the centrifugal force, consequently a tail rotor wasn't needed. Online searches for this craft have come empty. So did my search for one at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH. Having seen them both in the air and on the flight deck I'm curious to know more about them.
Well that's about as exciting it gets at the OFH. Many new faces in the building as there is significant turnover. The secret of this place is that it's full of old people. But the exciting news is that the superstructure for the skyway between buildings will be hoisted into place tomorrow morning.
Takk for alt,
Al
This picture is taken out of the door of H-34, in which I'm riding toward another H-34. The crew chief's arm in orange is visible. A strap serves as the "door".
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