Firestone XR-9
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company · United States · first flew 1946 · helicopter
The Firestone XR-9 was an experimental helicopter prototype developed by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in response to US military interest in light helicopters following World War II. It represented one of several industrial firms that briefly entered helicopter development in the postwar boom.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Postwar US military helicopter prototype from an unlikely manufacturer
- Side-by-side two-seat light helicopter
- Unconventional coaxial or tail-rotor configuration
Light two-seat helicopter of conventional 1940s layout; identifiable from documentation by Firestone markings rather than distinctive airframe features.
Specifications
- The Firestone XR-9 has a length of 8.4 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.97 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 161 km/h (100 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The US military's growing enthusiasm for helicopters after WWII attracted a range of non-traditional manufacturers, including Firestone. The XR-9 was evaluated by the US Army Air Forces but failed to progress beyond the prototype stage, as dedicated helicopter manufacturers had greater experience. Firestone subsequently returned its focus to tyres and rubber products.
Variants
A single prototype was built; no production followed.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the USAAF but not adopted; the XR-9 programme was discontinued.
Related aircraft
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