Historical Events tagged with "helicopter"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Daring Helicopter Escape from Mountjoy Prison

October 31st, 1973 51 years ago

Three Provisional Irish Republican Army members executed a daring escape from Mountjoy Prison in Dublin by hijacking a helicopter, which landed in the prison exercise yard. The escape involved meticulous planning and the use of a stolen helicopter to facilitate their flight to freedom, marking a significant event in the struggles surrounding the Irish Troubles.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Indian Generals Die in Helicopter Collision

November 22nd, 1963 61 years ago

Five Indian generals tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash caused by a collision with two parallel lines of telegraph cables. The accident occurred during a routine flight, which was aimed at reviewing military operations. The helicopter was unable to navigate safely due to the cables, leading to an immediate disaster.

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Military & Warfare

First American Helicopter Assault in Vietnam

January 12th, 1962 63 years ago

Operation Chopper marked the inaugural American helicopter assault in the Vietnam War. Conducted by the U.S. Army, it targeted the Viet Cong-controlled village of Ap Bac, located in the Mekong Delta. The operation involved about 1,000 U.S. troops and was supported by helicopters from the 1st Aviation Brigade. The primary objective was to capture a Viet Cong battalion and demonstrate the effectiveness of air mobility, setting a precedent for future engagements in the conflict.

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Science & Technology

Igor Sikorsky's First Single-Rotor Helicopter Flight

May 24th, 1940 84 years ago

Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first single-rotor helicopter, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This innovative flight showcased Sikorsky's engineering prowess and dedication to rotary-wing flight. The test occurred in Connecticut, where the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300 prototype demonstrated the viability of the single-rotor configuration, which became essential for future helicopter designs.

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Science & Technology

First Practical Helicopter Takes Flight

June 26th, 1936 88 years ago

The Focke-Wulf Fw 61 made its initial flight, showcasing the viability of rotary-wing aircraft. Designed by Heinrich Focke, the helicopter lifted off in 1936 at the Focke-Wulf factory in Bremen, Germany. With its innovative design, the Fw 61 marked a significant milestone in aviation technology. The flight demonstrated the potential of helicopters for various applications, paving the way for future developments in vertical flight.

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