Merckle SM 67
Süddeutsche Flugzeugwerke K. E. Merckle · West Germany · first flew 1959 · helicopter
The Merckle SM 67 was an experimental helicopter built in West Germany in the late 1950s. It was the first turbine-powered helicopter in Germany.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Design similar to the Alouette II, with a metal frame for the rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- main rotor of 10.5 metres diameter
- Design similar to the Alouette II, with a metal frame for the rear fuselage
- Single Turboméca Artouste IIC turboshaft engine
A light utility helicopter seating four passengers, with a design similar to the Alouette II.
Specifications
- The Merckle SM 67 has a length of 10.02 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.5 m (34 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 220 km/h (137 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The German Federal Ministry of Defense commissioned its development in 1957. The first prototype flew on 7 July 1959, and flight tests revealed a remarkably low vibration level and good controllability and stability.
Variants
Three prototypes were built, with the experience from the first taken into account in the other two. The first prototype was destroyed during tests.
Where you'll see it
The Bundeswehr opted for the Alouette II because it was available earlier. The second prototype was used at MBB as a test stand for Bo 105 components, and it was combined with the third to form the machine in the helicopter museum in Bückeburg.
Related aircraft
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