21. V-107 PROTOTYPE

107 Protoype, 1st water capable helicopter without floation

The H-21 production was coming to an end, we had modified an H-21C into an H-21D with the installation of  two T-58 Gas Turbine engines and another one with two T-53 engines. Components were up- graded to provide for the additional  horse power.  Both were successful but not very practical, we needed a new helicopter.

One million dollars was budgeted to design and build the V-107 Prototype.  It was an entirely new airframe, using two T-53 engines and some of the major components of the H-21D. It was very successful, was demonstrated all over the country, and a European tour.  It was our first water capable aircraft, without flotation devices.  The photo in the water is the only photo I have of this aircraft.

Walt Davis, who later became a member of my group was in charge of the maintenance during the European tour.  Due to an engine problem at that time, the engines had to be removed and inspected every 30 hours.  They had a Lycoming Rep. with them.

We continued to fly this aircraft for years.  I think it’s in a museum someplace.  

Charles Kessler is a retired flight test engineer for Boeing’s Vertol helicopter division (formerly Piasecki Helicopter Co.). He joined Piesecki in 1947, in the company’s fourth year, and retired from Boeing in 1983. During his 37-year career he took part in the testing of prototypes and alterations of such models as the CH-47 Chinook and Sea Knight, the H-16, HRP-2, and the V-107. He taught the stability augmentation system to the German Luftwaffe. He has written about his experience in a blog called “Early Helicopter Years,” which can be found at http://helicopterstory.blogspot.com/.