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Gyrodyne QH-50C Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter

The QH-50 D.A.S.H. was the first drone helicopter to enter operational service, the first rotorcraft deployed with nuclear armament, and one of the first armed unmanned aerial vehicles. The introduction of Soviet nuclear-powered submarines in the early 1960s created an immediate demand for a remotely piloted helicopter that could operate from smaller, older destroyers and could carry a Mark 57 nuclear depth bomb (like the training model seen here) or two torpedoes.

Most QH-50 deployments consisted of anti-submarine patrols with torpedoes, but a number of the craft were used during the Vietnam War primarily for spotting naval gunfire. A few were adapted to carry gun and rocket systems. Gyrodyne built 758 D.A.S.H. airframes, most of which went to the U.S. Navy. Japan also operated a few.

Rotor diameter:6.1 m (20 ft)

Length:6.1 m (20 ft)

Height:3 m (9 ft 8.5 in)

Weight, empty:530 kg (1,169 lb)

Weight, gross:1,046 kg (2,306 lb)

Engine:Boeing T50-BO-8A, 270 shp

Manufacturer:Gyrodyne Company of America, St. James, N.Y., 1965

Gift of Peter P., Barbara, and Alexander Papadakos

 Long Description

Gyrodyne QH-50C Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter

The QH-50 D.A.S.H. was the first drone helicopter to enter operational service, the first rotorcraft deployed with nuclear armament, and one of the first armed unmanned aerial vehicles. The introduction of Soviet nuclear-powered submarines in the early 1960s created an immediate demand for a remotely piloted helicopter that could operate from smaller, older destroyers and could carry a Mark 57 nuclear depth bomb (like the training model seen here) or two torpedoes.

Most QH-50 deployments consisted of anti-submarine patrols with torpedoes, but a number of the craft were used during the Vietnam War primarily for spotting naval gunfire. A few were adapted to carry gun and rocket systems. Gyrodyne built 758 D.A.S.H. airframes, most of which went to the U.S. Navy. Japan also operated a few.

Rotor diameter: 6.1 m (20 ft)

Length: 6.1 m (20 ft)

Height: 3 m (9 ft 8.5 in)

Weight, empty: 530 kg (1,169 lb)

Weight, gross: 1,046 kg (2,306 lb)

Engine: Boeing T50-BO-8A, 270 shp

Manufacturer: Gyrodyne Company of America, St. James, N.Y., 1965

Gift of Peter P., Barbara, and Alexander Papadakos

 Display Status

This object is on display in Korea and Vietnam Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Korea and Vietnam Aviation
Object Details
Type CRAFT-Rotary Wing Physical Description The QH-50 D.A.S.H. was the first drone helicopter to enter operational service, the first rotorcraft deployed with nuclear armament, and one of the first armed unmanned aerial vehicles. The introduction of Soviet nuclear-powered submarines in the early 1960s created an immediate demand for a remotely piloted helicopter that could operate from smaller, older destroyers and could carry a Mark 57 nuclear depth bomb (like the training model seen here) or two torpedoes. Most QH-50 deployments consisted of anti-submarine patrols with torpedoes, but a number of the craft were used during the Vietnam War primarily for spotting naval gunfire. A few were adapted to carry gun and rocket systems. Gyrodyne built 758 D.A.S.H. airframes, most of which went to the U.S. Navy. Japan also operated a few. Manufacturer: Gyrodyne Company of America, St. James, N.Y., 1965 Dimensions Overall: 609.6 × 295.9cm (20 ft. × 9 ft. 8 1/2 in.)
 Inventory Number A20090023000 Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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