QH-50C Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter “D.A.S.H. Drone”
This type of remote controlled aircraft was designed to extend the range of a US Navy frigate or destroyer’s ability to detect submarines, and then remotely deliver anti-submarine warfare weapons in the form of nuclear torpedoes.
It was the first unmanned helicopter, and the first helicopter that could deliver nuclear armaments.
After its retirement, it was kept in storage as a contingency reserve for use in the event of a national emergency. There were 758 D.A.S.H. Drones produced.
This aircraft loan courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola, Florida.
Specifications
Bureau #: | DS-1289 |
Built: | 1967 |
Crew: | None |
Passengers: | None |
Retired: | 1970 |
Received: | 2013 |
Restored by: | N/A |
Restored: | N/A |
Length: | 12′ 11″ |
Height: | 9′ 8″ |
Rotospan: | 20′ 0″ |
Weight Empty: | 1,154 lbs |
Weight Loaded: | 2,285 lbs |
Powerplant: | Boeing T50-BO-8A Turboshaft; drives 2 X two-bladed main rotors in a co-axial configuration |
Horsepower: | 300hp |
Max Speed: | 80 knots (92mph) |
Range: | 71 nautical miles (82 miles) |
Manufacturer: | Gyrodyne Company of America |
Armarment: | 2 Mk44 Torpedoes or 1 Mk46 Torpedo |
Ordnance: | |
Ceiling: | 16,400′ ft |
Status: | On Display |