The smallest helicopter in the world

In fourth century China, children played with a toy whose principle would be used hundreds of years later to bring a new dimension to the science of flight. It was a simple round stick with feathers mounted on top, with each feather twisted slightly so that it struck the air at an angle when the stick was spun. The results was a device that had enough lift to fly up into the air.
On November 13, 1907, Paul Cornu, a French- man, made the first free, untethered, manned helicopter flight. It lasted about 30 seconds at a height of just about 12 inches off the ground.

Early pioneers of helicopter flight had to overcome a number of challenges before successful flight could be achieved. It wasn't until 1936 that the Germans produced the first fully controllable helicopter.

Today, helicopters are the most versatile vehicles to take to the sky. They are an indispensable tool of modern aviation. The GEN H-4 is one of the latest achievements in helicopter evolution.

With a rotor diameter of 13 feet 1 inch and an empty weight of 155 lbs., the GEN H-4 helicopter is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's smallest helicopter.
The GEN H-4 helicopter prototype, looking much as it appears today, was first shown to the public in 1997. Since that time a number of flights have been successfully completed.
GEN H-4 helicopter controls are relatively simple. Rotor speed will make the helicopter climb and descend. Moving the control stick will result in the helicopter flying in that direction.
The helicopter has four engines. Should one fail, the others are intended to provide sufficient control to land the helicopter safely.

Safety concerns have been raised regarding the helicopter's lack of auto rotation, under one hour endurance with five gallon fuel capacity, and lack of quick control responses due to fixed pitched rotor blades.
It appears that a total of seven of the helicopters were sold. The last entry on the GEN H-4 website is dated Dec. 4, 2006.

The world's smallest turboprop powered aircraft

Maule aircraft are known for being a good value, easy to fly, reliable, and long lasting. The Maule M-7-420 is the world's smallest turboprop powered aircraft.

Maule's have been used as trainers, by the military, as sight-seeing aircraft, by police departments and as recreational aircraft. They have been equipped with skies and floats. Their short take off and landing abilities are appreciated by bush pilots in remote areas of the world.

Maule aircraft were conceived by Belford D. Maule in 1952. He designed them from the start to be high performance utility aircraft which could be flown from small, unimproved air strips. The aircraft first took to the air in 1957.

The Maul Aircraft Corp. was officially formed in 1962. Their first model, the M-4, became instantly popular. By 1968 the aircraft were upgraded with engines that produced over 50% more power. A new plant was opened to accommodate additional production. Some 250 aircraft had been sold to date.

Maule aircraft continued to be refined and improved through the years. Engine power was increased, and controls enhanced for better response. By 1990 the aircraft were being sold throughout the world. By the mid 1990's Maule aircraft reached the no. 3 position of best selling single engine aircraft in the United States, producing over 60 aircraft a year.

The cockpit of the Maul is spacious for the largest of people, and comfortable. The interior is brightly lit, and visibility is excellent through the large side windows.

When starting a newer Maul aircraft that uses a three bladed propeller, you will find it extremely smooth running. Not only is the idle smooth, but the aircraft is smooth throughout its operational range.

Taking off happens in the blink of an eye in this STOL aircraft. The Maule will lift its tail with just a short roll and be ready to rotate after about 200 feet. Very little rudder is necessary to counter propeller torque. Although the Maule will get off of the runway in a hurry,  with the piston engine its maximum climb is about 1,250 fpm. The good thing is that it will climb at just about that same rate from a high altitude runway, or when fully loaded. However, higher altitudes will lengthen the takeoff run.

Landings in the Maule require some effort. The factory recommends 65 mph as the approach speed. Dropping the speed under 62 mph will result in it sinking at a surprisingly quick rate. Flying an approach at above 70 mph will make it hard to bring down. Small throttle corrections at slower approach speeds results in excellent aircraft control during steep approaches. During flair, one must be ready to apply throttle instantly to prevent the Maule from dropping from the sky.

Once the Maule settles down on the runway, it steers like most other tail dragger aircraft. Things happen slowly due to its slow landing speed and quick deceleration. However, the large aircraft profile make it susceptible to strong cross winds. Brakes, rather than rudder, are best used to keep the aircraft from weathervaning.

A total of over 1,800 Maule aircraft have been manufactured to date.