Hiller ROE Rotorcycle

Commonly refered to as the Hiller "Helicycle" or "Rotorcycle." Designed in 1957 as a personal, ultralight helicopter, 12 were produced for the United States Marine Corps. It featured a two blade rotor system and a Nelson H-59 Engine which produced 40 hp. Its empty weight was 290 pounds and it could carry a load of 270 pounds. The helicopter folded up and could be carried on a sled-like carrier by two people. This helicopter caused many people to think small, personal helicopters would soon be developed and become commonplace; however difficult flying characteristics and high production costs prevented this from occuring. The various military branches considered this, and similar helicopter designs, to be ideal for infantry personnel, however the aforementioned problems, coupled with very limited payload capacity prevented this use too.