Hoppi-Copter Explained

The Hoppi-Copter was a functional backpack helicopter developed by the American company Hoppi-Copters Inc. founded by Horace T. Pentecost in the 1940s.^[1] The original Hoppi-Copter consisted of two contra-rotating rotors on a pole attached to a motorized backpack. Although it was capable of flight, it was extremely hard to control.

Later prototypes of the Hoppi-Copter included versions with the pilot in a sitting position, and were in effect miniature one-man helicopters of a more conventional design, though retaining the contra-rotating rotors and thus obviating a tail rotor.^[1] Despite interest from the British Ministry of Supply in the 102 and 104 models,^[2] none were adopted commercially.^[3]

Variants

Pentecost HX-1 Hoppi-Copter (Hoppi-Copter 100): original back-pack version.

Hoppi-Copter 101: equipped with a seat and landing gear, proved that more development was necessary.^[4]

Hoppi-Copter 102: framed, with seat for pilot.

Hoppi-Copter 103: as the 102, but lighter with a more powerful engine and slightly greater rotor diameter

Hoppi-Copter 104: as the 103, with even greater rotor diameter^[2]

Hoppi-Copter Firefly

See also

• Hiller YROE
• Gyrodyne RON Rotorcycle

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Hoppi-Copter. October 14, 1948. January 7, 2016. Flight.
2. Book: Bridgman . Leonard . Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1949 . 1949 . Samson, Low, Marston and Co. Ltd. . London . 234c.
3. Web site: Pentecost HX-1 (Model 100) Hoppi-Copter. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. 2016-01-07.
4. Book: Bridgman . Leonard . Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1951 . 1951 . Samson, Low, Marston and Co. Ltd. . London . 248c.