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Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 Drache
Focke-Achgelis · Helicopter · Germany · WWII (1939–1945)
The Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 Drache was a helicopter developed by Germany during World War II. A single 750-kilowatt (1,010 hp) Bramo 323 radial engine powered two three-bladed 11.9-metre (39 ft) rotors mounted on twin booms on either side of the 12.2-metre-long (40 ft) cylindrical fuselage. Although the Fa 223 is noted for being the first helicopter to attain production status, production of the helicopter was hampered by Allied bombing of the factory, and only 20 were built.
Specifications
- Category
- Rotorcraft
- Sub-Category
- Utility/Transport
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- WWII (1939–1945)
- Country
- Germany
- Manufacturer
- Focke-Achgelis
- Operator
- Luftwaffe
- Primary Role
- Helicopter
- Status
- Retired
- Service Entry
- 1942
- Produced
- 11
- Propulsion
- Piston
- Engine
- BMW 301R radial
- Thrust / Power
- 1,000 hp
- Launch
- Ground
- Length (ft)
- 40.2
- Wingspan (ft)
- 39.4 (each rotor)
- Empty Weight (lb)
- 7045
- MTOW (lb)
- 9920
- Payload (lb)
- 2094
- Endurance (hr)
- 2
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 23000
- Range (mi)
- 435
- Max Speed (mph)
- 109
- Armament
- Guns: 1 × MG 15 machine gun manually aimed from the nose.; Bombs: 2× 250 kg (550 lb) bombs or 2x depth charges