1953

The German company, Flettner, which employed a certain Mr. Bölkow at the time, launched the development of a flight trainer: the BO102 Helitrainer. Eighteen aircraft were built, and this was the first helicopter in the world to be equipped with composite material blades. It was sold in six countries.

29 April 1953

The Farfadet, developed by the SNCASO – flew for the first time. With a takeoff weight of 1,500 kg, this aircraft reached maximum speeds of 250 km/h in level flight and was equipped with two independent engines.

16 December 1953

First flight of the SO1220 Djinn: this was a small and very basic observation helicopter, with no windshield, no electrical system, and a cyclic pitch control directly linked to the swashplate. The Djinn’s empty weight was 280 kg and a contract was signed for 25 pre-production aircraft. This was followed by an order for 150 aircraft for the French Army, the civil market and export. The Djinn was the first French helicopter to have reached the certification and industrial production phases.

12 March 1955

Maiden flight of the Alouette II: the first mass-produced gas-turbine helicopter. In April 1956, the first aircraft rolled off the assembly line. This aircraft was used in the Alps for an evaluation campaign just 13 months after the prototype’s maiden flight.