The Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne was developed for the US Army
to fulfill their contract for the AAFSS (Advanced Ariel
Fire Support System).
The first flight of the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne was on
September 21st 1967. The unusual design of the aircraft
meant that it was capable of reaching over 250 mph, while
still performing like a conventional helicopter with reverse
flight and hover capabilities.
The key to the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne lay at the rear
of the aircraft. Instead of a single tailrotor, the Lockheed
AH-56 Cheyenne had two. One to counteract the torque of
the main blades, and one to provide thrust. The main rotor
itself was of fixed pitch meaning that it provided only
lift.
Unfortunately the project was canceled in 1972 and the
US Army instead chose the AH-64 Apache to fulfill their
contract.
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