American Helicopter XH-26 Jet Jeep

American Helicopter Company · United States · first flew 1952 · helicopter

The XH-26 Jet Jeep was an ultralight military helicopter that used tip-jets — small pulse-jets mounted at the rotor blade tips — to spin the rotor, eliminating the need for a conventional tail rotor.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• tip-jet driven single-main-rotor helicopter
• very small and light airframe
• no tail rotor — reaction jets at blade tips control torque

The most distinctive cue is the absence of a tail rotor: small pulse-jet pods at the blade tips replace this entirely. The airframe is extremely minimal — almost skeletal — with an open framework tail boom and a small bubble canopy.

Specifications

• The American Helicopter XH-26 Jet Jeep has a length of 8.5 m (28 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 7.6 m (25 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 135 km/h (84 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed for the US Army in the early 1950s, the XH-26 explored tip-jet propulsion as a way to build a very light, man-portable helicopter for frontline use. Pulse-jet units at each blade tip drove rotation, and yaw control was achieved by deflecting the exhaust gases rather than a tail rotor. The concept proved mechanically feasible but noisy and fuel-hungry.

Variants

The XH-26 was the sole prototype variant. The tip-jet concept was also explored by other manufacturers including Hiller (HJ-1 Hornet) and Djinn (Sud-Aviation).

Where you'll see it

Evaluated by the US Army but not ordered for production. The Army ultimately preferred conventional helicopter designs for its light utility requirements.

Related aircraft

• Bristol Sycamore HC Mk 10
• Kamov Ka-15
• Mil Mi-4 Hound
• Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever

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