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The helicopter's journey from ancient Chinese toys to today's modern flying machines is a testament to humanity's innovative spirit.
In this special episode, we delve into the origins and secrets behind one of the greatest innovations in aerial engineering: the helicopter. This aerial vehicle not only revolutionized passenger and cargo transportation, but also became essential in rescue operations and national defense, thanks to its unique flying ability.
The evolution of the helicopter
The history of the helicopter dates back to around 400 years before Christ, in China, with the toy known as the “Bamboo Dragonfly”. But it was the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, around 1480, who sketched the first conception of a similar aircraft, although it was not viable in practice. The term “helicopter”, of Greek origin, suggests “spiral wing” and reflects the essence of this invention that has evolved significantly over the centuries.
From the first flight to modern models
The first attempts to create a controllable flying vehicle date back to the beginning of the 20th century, with the Breguet brothers and the French inventor Paul Cornu. Although Cornu achieved a modest flight of 30 cm above the ground, he is often recognized as the inventor of the controllable helicopter. The journey of evolution continued with significant innovations in Europe and the United States, culminating in the successful models of Sikorsky and Bell in the 40s.
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How does the helicopter work?
The working principle of the helicopter is fascinating. Through the rotation of the blades, which push the air downwards, the aircraft is able to take off, obeying Newton's third law: for every action, there is a reaction. Equipped with controls such as the joystick, the collective and pedals, the pilot can maneuver the helicopter in different directions, including allowing it to remain stationary in the air or fly backwards.
Era of reaction engines
The replacement of piston engines by reaction engines in the 50s marked the beginning of a new era for helicopters. Sud Aviation's Alouette 2 model was the first aircraft of its type to be equipped with a jet engine, offering superior performance, especially at high altitudes.
Today, helicopters play vital roles in a variety of areas, from military operations to rescue and firefighting. In Brazil, one of the largest helicopter markets in the world, São Paulo stands out with the largest fleet, leading the Brazilian Air Force to create exclusive air traffic control for these aircraft. More than one means of transport, the helicopter is a tool that saves lives, protects nations and opens new horizons for human exploration.
