VFW-Fokker H3 Sprinter
# VFW-Fokker H3 Sprinter

The VFW-Fokker H3 Sprinter was a single-engined experimental rotorcraft designed and built in West Germany. Two aircraft were produced by VFW-Fokker in the early 1970s, registered D-9543 and D-9544. Intended as the first of a family of tip-jet driven helicopters the two H3 prototypes flew briefly but the method of rotor propulsion was found to be unsuccessful for this size of aircraft. Due to a high rotor overspeed, they could perform jump take-offs to 280 feet (85 m) at a rate of 1,600 feet (490 m) per minute. An improved H4 variant was designed but not built.

## Aircraft on display

Both aircraft have survived. D-9543 is currently on display at the Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg with the other H3 thought to be in a private collection in Germany.

## Specifications (H3)

Data from Jane's Pocket Book of Research and Experimental Aircraft, 1976.

General characteristics

* Crew: One
* Capacity: 2 passengers and 270 kg (595 lb)
* Length: 7.37 m (24 ft 2.25 in)
* Wingspan: 8.70 m (28 ft 6.52 in)
* Height: 2.50 m (8 ft 2.43 in)
* Max takeoff weight: 968 kg (2,134 lb)
* Powerplant: 1 × Allison 250-C18 turboshaft

Performance

* Cruise speed: 250 km/h (155 mph, 135 kn)
* Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,120 ft)
