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

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