Worlds First Helicopter Loop - H. E. Thompson 1948

[Shrubbo]

Archival footage of the first helicopter loop ever documented. Pilot H. E. "Tommy" Thompson looping the Sikorsky S-52 in 1948. This prototype had a 245 HP Franklin engine that was adapted from a Tucker automobile. The trim 2 seater also had the first extruded aluminum all-metal blades for any Sikorsky helicopter. Thompson set a world speed records of 129 mph earlier that year. He also set the helicopter down in the Pentagon courtyard that year - another first. Originally 8mm to VHS then to digital. From my father's memorabilia WRT 8/4/08.....

 

[Vesperatus]

Ho that's nice.

 

But I find it a little low for a FIRST loop.