Title:USAAF TRIALS OF HELICOPTERS, JULY 1943 [Main Title]
Film Number:USA 179
Other titles:
Summary: Short film on the first military helicopter trials on board a United States (US) Navy vessel, to evaluate whether helicopters could operate from naval vessels.
Description: Trials of the XR-4 - initially called the VS-316 - and YR-4A helicopters carried out between 5 and 8 July 1943, on board the US Army transport ship (USAT) James Parker, formerly called the SS Panama. The James Parker was fitted with a temporary flight deck for the trials, the XR-4 is fitted with conventional landing gear and the YR-4A is fitted with floats. The trials were carried out as the ship was docked, then afloat in the harbour, finally during an open seas trial over two days. Among the senior military personnel present is Colonel Franklin Gregory of the US Army, who took delivery of the helicopters from Igor Sikorsky, who is also present on the film. Also shown are Major Bronson, Colonel Aldron, General Tidlore and many other un-named US military officers.
