Gates Twinjet Helicopter

[AS.12]

Stumbled across this nearly-was whilst researching something else.


Developed with the assistance of poached Hughes engineers.  10 seats, 180mph, 6000lb MTOW.  Two Garrett TSE231 which were scaled-down TPE331 cores.

https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1969/1969%20-%202868.PDF

Development started around 1967, abandoned in 1971.  By the end of the seventies the remarkably similar S-76 was flying...

[McColm]

Good find

[ysi_maniac]

Beautiful indeed!

[kitnut617]

I like the way of the engine orientation. Makes for a nice aerodynamic engine nacelle.

[Weaver]

I like the way of the engine orientation. Makes for a nice aerodynamic engine nacelle.

And a bit of rotor-relieving lift at speed to boot. Yeah, I like it too - very neat synergistic solution. 

Looks like it'd make a decent military machine too. My only query would be the narrow undercarriage track, which might be a bit unstable on rough ground. I'd like to see wider-track rear wheels in a pair of lower stub wings: they'd be behind the door and well below the upper stub wings so I don't see any problem. That's a bit more lift at speed, plus you get to claim it as the world's first biplane helicopter...

[PR19_Kit]

The A-109 Hirundo has similar looking gear, but it folds out to a much wider track. They could have done that on the Gates.

A pity it didn't go further, it looks superb.