Fiat 7002

The Fiat 7002 was a helicopter prototype developed in Italy in the late 1950s. Designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), it was intended primarily for heavy-lift transport.The aircraft aimed to offer a different approach to moving heavy loads, particularly in limited or hard-to-reach areas.

Purpose of Development and History

The purpose of developing the Fiat 7002 was to provide a more efficient heavy-lift vehicle with vertical take-off and landing capability compared to standard helicopters. The project was initiated by Fiat Aviazione in the mid-1950s. The helicopter prototype was completed in 1958 and made its first free flight on January 26, 1961.

Design and Technical Specifications

The Fiat 7002 had a unique design compared to the helicopter standards of its time:

• Rotor System: Instead of a conventional shaft, a "cold jet" system was used to drive the rotor blades. A Fiat 4700 B turbogenerator engine produced pressurized air, which was then expelled from nozzles at the tips of the rotor blades to make the rotor spin. This system was intended to reduce mechanical complexity.

• Open Truss Fuselage: The helicopter's fuselage was an open truss structure, designed to allow for the easy attachment of large and heavy loads.

• Engine Placement: The turbogenerator engine was located behind the pilot's cabin, in a relatively low position.

• Control Systems: The pilot controlled the aircraft using conventional helicopter controls. Since the cold jet system eliminated torque reaction, there was no need for a tail rotor.

• Dimensions and Capacity: It had a main rotor diameter of approximately 12 meters. The design goal was to be able to carry a payload of up to 2.2 tons.

Operational Status and Fate

The test flights of the Fiat 7002 demonstrated the feasibility of its "cold jet" propulsion system and its potential for cargo transport. The system was noted to have lower vibration and noise levels compared to conventional helicopters. However, it faced challenges with fuel efficiency. The turbogenerator system's inability to use jet fuel efficiently limited the aircraft's operational range and endurance. Additionally, technical complexities and economic conditions affected the project's progression. The Fiat 7002 remained a prototype and never entered commercial or military service.

Significance and Legacy

The Fiat 7002 stands in aviation history as an example of experimental work on unusual propulsion systems and heavy-lift VTOL concepts. The "cold jet" rotor drive system was part of a broader search for alternatives to mechanical transmissions in helicopter design. Although it did not achieve commercial success, it is remembered as a demonstration of the effort to try different approaches in aviation engineering. The project provided data for the development of vertical take-off and landing technologies.