MULTIENGINED helicopters can be available in 1956 for regular airline service, according to these authors. They will be most in demand for short-haul transport, and will be able to operate directly into the center of business or industrial areas. Because of the small ground space or roof space required for a heliport the helicopter will not only solve many local and intercity traffic problems, but will serve also in extension flights to and from airports, thus obviating the present need for passenger limousines.
Moreover, the authors of this paper report that the helicopter has been developed into an accepted vehicle within a very short period. It was only ten years ago that the first production model-the Sikorsky R-4-began to appear in large numbers.
During this decade the following achievements have been logged: (1) payload increased nearly 15 times; (2) range increased 6 times; (3) cruising speed doubled.