The Aero HC-2 Heli Baby is a two-seat general-purpose light utility helicopter, designed by engineer Jaroslav Šlechta, and produced by the Czechoslovak company Aero Vodochody in the 1950s. It has a three-blade main rotor, and a two-blade tail rotor. The helicopter has an entirely metal frame and cockpit, and windows made of Plexiglas. It was the first and the only Czechoslovak-designed helicopter to be produced.[2]
The HC-2 was designed by a team working at Aero Vodochody led by engineer Jaroslav Šlechta, building on experience gained in the design of Šlechta's earlier Praga XE-II prototype.[3][4] Construction of the prototype began in 1951, and testing commenced in 1954. The first flight occurred on December 3, 1954,[1] and the helicopter was introduced to the public in 1955 at the Brno Industries Fair.[5] Production was slated to begin in 1957, however, engine problems delayed it.
An initial order of 200 of these helicopters was announced.[6] The Czechoslovak Air Force was a user of the HC-2, as was the Czechoslovak People's Army. The Heli Baby was capable of carrying a pilot and 100 kg (220 lb) of cargo over a distance of 100 km (62 mi), while using 22.0 L (4.85 imp gal) gallons of fuel.[7] In 1959, it was one of the world's lightest two-seated helicopters.[8] Initially powered by an 83 hp (62 kW) Praga DH engine, the more powerful 105 hp (78 kW) Avia M 110H engine, designed specifically for use in helicopters, replaced it after approximately six years.[9][10] The Heli Baby can be used for transport, training, and various "other duties in military and civil service".[11] Cargo space is situated behind the helicopter's two seats. The non-retractable undercarriage has three wheels in a tricycle configuration.
Baur, E. (January 1959). "A Visit to the Czechoslovak Aircraft Industry". Interavia. Vol. XIV, no. 1. pp. 63–66.
Beneš, Ladislav. (In Czech) Československé vrtulníky známé i neznámé. Votobia, 1998. ISBN978-80-7198-326-2
Beněs, Ladislav; Soukup, Oldřich; Sviták, Pavel (1976). "Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů" [Helicopters of our Constructors]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 52, no. 9. pp. 354–355.
Beněs, Ladislav; Soukup, Oldřich; Sviták, Pavel (1976). "Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů" [Helicopters of our Constructors]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 52, no. 10. pp. 394–395.
Beněs, Ladislav; Soukup, Oldřich; Sviták, Pavel (1976). "Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů" [Helicopters of our Constructors]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 52, no. 11. pp. 434–435.
Beněs, Ladislav; Soukup, Oldřich; Sviták, Pavel (1976). "Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů" [Helicopters of our Constructors]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 52, no. 12. pp. 474–475.