Built in 1987 the Boeing Model 360 was a technology demonstrator as well as a new model for manufacturing methodology. There was a large effort to streamline the helicopter to reduce drag in order to increase speed. This included a fully retractable landing gear.
The Model 360 was designed with high-strength, lightweight composite materials that make up almost all of the airframe’s structure and many dynamic components. The fuselage skeleton is covered with load bearing Kevlar and Nomex honeycomb skin and crown panels that eliminate corrosion and reduce air frame empty weight by approximately 25 percent. Compared with metal construction, the rotor hubs have 60 percent fewer parts, and the airframe has 83% fewer fasteners.
The Model 360 reached a maximum forward speed of 246 mph, just short of setting a new world record for helicopters.
| Aircraft Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Rotor Diameter | 50 ft (4 blades per rotor) |
| Fuselage Length | 51 ft |
| Maximum Speed | 246 mph |
| Cruise Speed | 218 mph |
| Empty Weight | 30,500 lbs |
| Engine | 2 Lycoming AL 5512 turboshaft engines |
| Horsepower | 4200 hp each |