Magazine article on Intermeshing Helicopter

[Dave_Jackson]

There's an article on an early intermeshing helicopter, in the latest issue of AIR Enthusiast. It is entitled;
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` . ` AMBITIOUS 'EGGBEATER'

Kellett's XR-8 ~ Far ahead of its time
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The title says much. :ok:

[sprocket]

Don't be shy Dave, tell us more.

[Dave_Jackson]

Sprocket

It will be difficult to tell more. The helicopter was so "far ahead of its time" that most of the five page article had to be blacked out; even though 60 years has passed.
:D
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OK. A little more;

That the intermeshing configuration results in a slow helicopter is a misconception.

The intermeshing Flettner FL-282B, which flew just before the single rotor Sikorsky R-4B, had a maximum speed 24% faster than the R-4B.
The intermeshing Kellett XR-8, which flew just after the single rotor Sikorsky R-4B, had a maximum speed 39% faster than the R-4B.
:oh:

Kaman elected to produce a high lift, slow speed helicopter, and thereby created the misconception.