Lockheed Ah-56a Cheyenne (Warbird Tech Series, Volume 27)

Rating:
Summary: an oft-ignored item of american aviation history...
Review: In addition to being one of the most innovative and revolutionary aircraft projects in the past 50 years, the AH-56 Cheyenne program also stands out as an interesting look at how on one hand great aerodynamic minds can elegantly overcome seemingly insurmountable problems, only to be mired down by short-sighted policies and entrenched cliques. This book is a long time in coming, is informative and insightful and is without a doubt an essential addition to the collection of anyone who appreciates clever design, aviation history and is prone to wonder 'what if?' about the projects that could-have-been.

Rating:
Summary: A "must" for all aircarft buffs.
Review: Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne is volume 27 of the Specialty Press "Warbird Tech" series and covers all aspects of one of the most radical and highly developed helicopter to be built and flown today. Authors Tony Landis and Dennis Jenkins collaborate to relate an authoritative and informative account of the evolution and eventual failures of the Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne. Included is the aircraft's structural breakup in wind tunnels, factory tech photos and cutaway views, propulsion and weapons system details, rigid rotor explanation, and a great deal more. As with all books in this outstanding series, Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne is profusely illustrated throughout with black and white as well as color photographs. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A "must" for all aircarft buffs.
Review: Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne is volume 27 of the Specialty Press "Warbird Tech" series and covers all aspects of one of the most radical and highly developed helicopter to be built and flown today. Authors Tony Landis and Dennis Jenkins collaborate to relate an authoritative and informative account of the evolution and eventual failures of the Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne. Included is the aircraft's structural breakup in wind tunnels, factory tech photos and cutaway views, propulsion and weapons system details, rigid rotor explanation, and a great deal more. As with all books in this outstanding series, Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne is profusely illustrated throughout with black and white as well as color photographs. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A unique part of aviation history
Review: The Lockheed Cheyenne was an innovative compound rotary wing/fixed wing aircraft developed in the late 1960s - early 1970s. The company that brough us aircraft like the SR-71 was also highly innovative in its short-lived foray into rotary wing aviation. The cheyenne was capable of higher speeds and different flight attitudes than most (or any?) conventional helicopter before or since, owing to it's short stubby wings and pusher propeller located behind the tail rotor. A second twist-grip forward of the conventional throttle control on the collective lever controlled the 'beta' or pusher propeller pitch angle.

This book covers basic helicopter and autogyro aerodynamics without getting bogged down in the details, the evolution of the Army's helicopter programs from early piston engine models to turbine-powered vietnam-era helicopters, the bitter 'roles and missions' debate between the Air Force and the Army that lead to and ultimately doomed the Cheyenne program. The Cheyenne's unique rotor and control system are covered in detail, as well as the history of the research program from early rigid rotor prototypes to the last flight of the program. In short, there are plenty of pictures and history packed into this book, and any reader interested in rotary wing aviation won't be disappointed.

I first heard of the Cheyenne while stationed at Fort Rucker in 1992. After seeing it on TV I walked over to the aviation museum and found it on display. I distinctly remember that in was indoors and was in good condition. Recent web site pictures (search for 'AH-56 walk-around'), and also pictures in the book, show it sitting outside in front of the museum, clearly showing the effects of abuse from the sun and weather. Hopefully some more recent visitors can comment on the aircraft's current condition and whereabouts.

Rating:
Summary: A unique part of aviation history
Review: The Lockheed Cheyenne was an innovative compound rotary wing/fixed wing aircraft developed in the late 1960s - early 1970s. The company that brough us aircraft like the SR-71 was also highly innovative in its short-lived foray into rotary wing aviation. The cheyenne was capable of higher speeds and different flight attitudes than most (or any?) conventional helicopter before or since, owing to it's short stubby wings and pusher propeller located behind the tail rotor. A second twist-grip forward of the conventional throttle control on the collective lever controlled the 'beta' or pusher propeller pitch angle.

This book covers basic helicopter and autogyro aerodynamics without getting bogged down in the details, the evolution of the Army's helicopter programs from early piston engine models to turbine-powered vietnam-era helicopters, the bitter 'roles and missions' debate between the Air Force and the Army that lead to and ultimately doomed the Cheyenne program. The Cheyenne's unique rotor and control system are covered in detail, as well as the history of the research program from early rigid rotor prototypes to the last flight of the program. In short, there are plenty of pictures and history packed into this book, and any reader interested in rotary wing aviation won't be disappointed.

I first heard of the Cheyenne while stationed at Fort Rucker in 1992. After seeing it on TV I walked over to the aviation museum and found it on display. I distinctly remember that in was indoors and was in good condition. Recent web site pictures (search for 'AH-56 walk-around'), and also pictures in the book, show it sitting outside in front of the museum, clearly showing the effects of abuse from the sun and weather. Hopefully some more recent visitors can comment on the aircraft's current condition and whereabouts.