The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Today In Aviation History: Hanna Reitsch Sets World Record for Helicopter Distance Flown
Hanna Reitsch made aviation history on October 25, 1937, by flying the Focke-Wulf Fw 61 approximately 109 kilometers between Berlin and Stendal, setting a world helicopter distance record. Developed under Heinrich Focke, the Fw 61 used twin rotors mounted on outriggers to demonstrate the potential of practical rotary-wing flight. Reitsch later gained further recognition by flying the pioneering helicopter inside Berlin's Deutschlandhalle in 1938.
Today In Aviation History: Hanna Reitsch Sets World Record for Helicopter Distance Flown
Hanna Reitsch achieved a historic aviation milestone on October 25, 1937, by piloting the Focke-Wulf Fw 61 for about 109 kilometers between Berlin and Stendal. This flight established a world helicopter distance record.
The aircraft used for the achievement was the Focke-Wulf Fw 61, which featured twin rotors mounted on outriggers to demonstrate the potential of practical rotary-wing flight. The project was developed under Heinrich Focke.
The record-setting route connected Berlin and Stendal, marking the distance flown in a helicopter at that time. The event contributed to early demonstrations of helicopter capabilities in practical flight scenarios.
Reitsch continued to gain recognition in the following year by piloting a helicopter inside Berlin's Deutschlandhalle in 1938, further highlighting her role in early helicopter history.