Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 29:56-31:03

A Huey factory offers the US Army helicopters in 1938

An early fleet of Hueys would make the turboshaft engine at least as consequential as the helicopter itself.

Alternate HistoryGas TurbinesHelicoptersMilitary AviationRotary Wing AviationTurboshaft EnginesUh 1 HueyUS Army
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What if a factory offered the US Army Huey helicopters in 1938 with 1,500 already built?

Short answer

The aircraft would be transformative, but the turboshaft engine and its wider effects on air power would be the greatest revelation.

Notes

A factory able to supply Hueys in 1938 would offer a major advance in engine technology as well as helicopters. Their turboshaft powerplants would reveal gas-turbine capabilities far earlier than the Army's historical experience. The Huey was the first turboshaft utility helicopter operated by the US Army. Earlier Army helicopters used piston engines, though some later received turboshaft conversions.