FH-1100 Phoenix
FH-1100 Manufacturing · United States · first flew 1963 · helicopter
The FH-1100 is a light single-turbine helicopter derived from Fairchild Hiller's OH-5 light observation prototype, later revived by successor companies.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.08 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Bulbous glazed cockpit with tapered tail boom
- Two-bladed teetering main rotor
- Single Allison turboshaft above the cabin
Identify it by the rounded glazed cabin, the exposed single turboshaft above the fuselage, the two-bladed main rotor and a slender tapering tail boom.
Specifications
- The FH-1100 Phoenix has a length of 9.08 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.79 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 204 km/h (127 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 (up to 5 seats).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Fairchild Hiller developed the type from its Model 1100 / OH-5 contender for the US Army's Light Observation Helicopter competition, which it lost to the OH-6. The FH-1100 first flew in 1963 and entered civil production, with rights and manufacturing revived over the decades under the Phoenix name.
Variants
Versions include the original FH-1100 and later Hiller/FH-1100 Manufacturing updates, plus proposed re-engined and modernised models. All share the same two-bladed rotor and slim tail boom.
Where you'll see it
The FH-1100 saw civil and some export military use as a light utility and training helicopter; it had little UK operation, being more common in the Americas and export markets.
Related aircraft
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