Airfix 1/72 Fairey Rotodyne # 04002V

The Fairey Rotodyne was a revolutionary British aircraft that was designed and built in the 1950s by the Fairey Aviation Company.

It was a hybrid aircraft that combined the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing airplane.

The Rotodyne was powered by two turboprop engines and featured large rotors mounted on its wings that allowed it to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter.

Once in the air, the rotors could be stopped and the aircraft could transition to conventional fixed-wing flight, achieving speeds of up to 200 knots.

The Rotodyne was designed to operate as a fast and efficient regional airliner, capable of transporting up to 40 passengers and their luggage over distances of up to 500 miles.

It was also considered for military applications, such as troop transport and reconnaissance.

Despite its innovative design and promising performance, the Rotodyne never entered full-scale production.

A combination of factors, including concerns over noise pollution and safety issues, as well as competition from other aircraft manufacturers, led to the cancellation of the project in the early 1960s.

Nevertheless, the Fairey Rotodyne remains a significant milestone in aviation history, and its unique design and capabilities continue to fascinate and inspire aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.