Vintage Eastern helicopter for you to view

upnorth

Member since
December 2002
From: Canada / Czech Republic

Vintage Eastern helicopter for you to view

Posted by upnorth on Saturday, May 20, 2006 1:59 PM

My new digital camera and I paid a visit to the Brno Technical Museum today and found this beautifully restored Zlin HC-102. Yes, it was a real helicopter that really did go into production and get used by both the Czech military and civil operators.

It ain't the most muscular helo that's ever been, but I hope you like it just the same.

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m60a3

Member since
April 2005
From: I am at play in the fields of the Lord. (Texas)

Posted by m60a3 on Saturday, May 20, 2006 4:26 PM

I do like it. Wish I had one.

-60

"I lay like a small idea in a vacant mind" - Wm. Least Heat Moon "I am at the center of the earth." - Black Elk My FSM friends are the best.

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dkmacin

Member since
January 2003
From: Upper left side of the lower Penninsula of Mich

Posted by dkmacin on Saturday, May 20, 2006 4:53 PM

Tell us more! Is it a trainer? An observer?
Looks cool all the same.

Don

I know it's only rock and roll, but I like it.

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albymoore

Member since
December 2002
From: Tip O' da Mitt (Northern Michigan)

Posted by albymoore on Saturday, May 20, 2006 5:57 PM

Interesting little helicopter, I'd like to know some more about it as well. Nice pics, thanks for posting them.

Cheers,

"I know what it wants now...the void has swallowed the light and the machine wants my soul"

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DAVEY5

Member since
March 2003
From: USA

Posted by DAVEY5 on Saturday, May 20, 2006 6:43 PM

According to my heli book This is a Helibaby made by Aero Vodochody Podnic . Yes it was a trainer built in 1953. It was a Czech helicopter also used in liaison ,observation,and ambulance duties.It was the second chopter built by this company that also built motor cars. Great pics,and cool subject. Have fun !!!!!1

Davey5

To fly is great To hover is divine ...........

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upnorth

Member since
December 2002
From: Canada / Czech Republic

Posted by upnorth on Sunday, May 21, 2006 12:48 PM

Observation, liason and training were its main duties in the military. In civil circles it was also used for police work and news reporting.

The HC-102 was a later development of the Aero Vodechody HC-2 and was carried out by the Zlin aircraft company.

Its the first helicopter I've ever seen that had plywood rotors. Beautifully varnished ones with nice brass leading edge guards.

Interestingly, one of the lesser known Czech limited run outfits makes a 1/72 resin kit of it. I saw one in my LHS a month or so ago and it looks real nice. Real small, but real nice.