American Helicopter XH-26 Jet Jeep

Overview

The American Helicopter XH-26 Jet Jeep (known as the XA-8 by its manufacturer) is an experimental tip jet helicopter developed in 1951 by the American Helicopter Company to meet a United States Army and Air Force (USAF) request for a collapsible and air-droppable observation helicopter. A few prototypes were evaluated and flown during the 1950s, but it was decided not to adopt this type. Several examples have survived as museum pieces into the present day.