In 1952, a Dutch foundation was formed to design and build an experimental rotary-wing aircraft. To keep the design as simple as possible, tip-mounted ramjets eliminated the need for a gearbox and rotor drive shaft. The prototype H-2 first flew in 1955, and, in the same year, the Nederlandse Helicopter Industrie was formed to build and market the H-3 Kolibrie (Humming-Bird). Production began in 1957, and the H-3 was certificated in 1958.

TJ-5 ramjets, built by the Kromhout Company, powered the first 10 H-3 helicopters, with 227 N (51 lb) thrust TJ-5A ramjets used later. A 1.49 kw (2 hp) auxiliary power unit spun the rotor blades to 112 km/hr (70 mph) for ramjet ignition. Due to high fuel consumption of the ramjets, a trailer was developed for road transportation and as a mobile take-off and landing platform. Some uses of the H-3 were crop spraying and survey and exploration work.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date Circa 1956 Country of Origin Netherlands Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer Nederlandse Helicopter Industrie
 Physical Description Type: Ramjet Thrust: 196 N (44 lb) Weight: 9.1 kg (20 lb) Dimensions Length 57.2 cm (22.5 in.), Width 80 cm (31.5 in.), Height 19.1 cm (7.5 in.)
 Materials Aluminum
Paint
Steel
Phenolic Resin
Plastic
Copper Alloy
 Inventory Number A19791353000 Credit Line Gift of the National Aerospace Museum (Aviodome), Netherlands Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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