When was the first practical helicopter developed?

The first practical helicopter was developed in the year 1939 by Igor Sikorsky, a Russian-American aviation engineer. Although earlier attempts at vertical flight were made in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Sikorsky’s design was the first to be stable, controlled, and capable of practical use.

The aircraft, known as the VS-300, made its first successful free flight on May 13, 1940, but was initially developed in 1939. It featured a single main rotor and a tail rotor, which became the standard layout for most modern helicopters. This innovation marked a turning point in aviation history, allowing vertical takeoff and landing, which fixed-wing aircraft could not achieve.

Before the VS-300, various inventors had experimented with helicopter concepts, but their machines were either too unstable or too weak to be practical. Sikorsky success laid the foundation for military, medical, and transport helicopters used today.

Key Points:

• Developer: Igor Sikorsky


• Year: 1939


• Model: VS-300


• Innovation: First stable and controlled helicopter


• Impact: Revolutionized aviation with vertical takeoff and landing capability