Piasecki HRP-1 Rescuer in 1/100 Artvars

[gomidefilho]

Another addition to my 1/100 scale helicopter collection. Another Piasecki, a gift from my friend Leito de la Rosa, a skilled designer who offers us unusual models. The HRP-1 Rescuer, also known as "Harp" was ordered by the US Navy in 1944 and had its first flight in 1945, called "Flying Banana" because of its unmistakable shape, the HRP-1 was the first heavy helicopter of the USA, one of the first operational helicopters in the world to use tanden rotors. It was in service for a few years with the US Navy, USMC and USCG, from the beginning it proved to be a problematic design, initially using more fragile automotive components in its driveshafts, a weak coating that used fabric and problems in the engine bearings. Yet with all these problems and low production, it was an important transitional type, where US naval aviation developed a series of doctrines for the onboard use of helicopters. The particular example all in yellow is an HRP-1G configured for SAR and Rescue at the USCG station in Elizabeth City - North Carolina between 1948 and 1951. Model Artvars, soon for sale in three versions at Ecardmodels.

[Rata]

Great design and build of what would have to be one of the strangest flying machines.

[Viator]

Really uncommon helicopter - I never heard of - and a very pleasant model indeed!

[Siwi]

I'd be concerned that I would accidently put this in the fruit bowl and try to peel it...

[Don Boose]

Great model! And it really was a flying banana.

Don

[gomidefilho]

Thank's my friends! Really is a strange bird Looks a banana and insect shape...

[Mike1158]

A very fine airframe mate, nice one.

[gomidefilho]

Many thanks!