The Kaman K-225 is an American experimental helicopter developed by Kaman Aircraft. One example was modified to become the world's first gas turbine-powered helicopter.
Design and development The K-125 was Charles Kaman's first helicopter, which utilized intermeshing rotors and Kaman's patented servo-flap stability control."Hall of Fame/Inventor Profile: Charles Kaman" The K-125 first flew on 15 January 1947.
The K-190 and K-225 were an improved versions of the K-125, which first flew in April and July 1949 respectively. The U.S. Navy bought two and the Coast Guard one for $25,000 each. The United States Air Force evaluated one K-225 with the designation YH-22.
A modified K-225 equipped with a Boeing 502 (YT50) turboshaft engine became the first gas turbine-powered helicopter in December 1951.Boeing Model 502 Gas Turbine Engine This aircraft is now at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
A standard K-225 is preserved in the New England Air Museum at Windsor Locks Connecticut.
In 1953, the Turkish Army purchased one Kaman K-225 helicopter and a K-225 was the first helicopter flown in Turkey.
Variants
K-125 first two-seat prototype with Lycoming O-390-3 engine and moulded plywood fuselage and bubble canopy. K-190 improved prototype with Lycoming engine, marketed as an open cockpit crop-duster, certified in April 1949 K-190A open frame three-seat helicopter, powered by a Lycoming O-435-C engine. Type certified on April 15, 1949. K-190B four-seat version. K-225 improved model, powered by a Lycoming O-435-A2 engine, certified on September 16, 1949. K-5 designation for K-225 with Boeing T50-BO-2 model 502 engine. YH-22 United States Air Force designation for one K-225 bought for evaluation.
Specifications (K-225)
See also
References
Notes
Bibliography