The Cornu helicopter, also known as the Cornu’s Helicopter or the Cornu biplane, was an early experimental aircraft designed by French engineer Paul Cornu in 1907. It is considered one of the earliest attempts at creating a manned helicopter.

The Cornu helicopter featured two large, counter-rotating rotors mounted on a biplane-like structure. The rotors were driven by a 24-horsepower Antoinette engine, providing the necessary lift and propulsion. The aircraft had an open framework, with the pilot positioned in the middle and the engine located at the rear.

On November 13, 1907, Paul Cornu 🔗 successfully achieved a short and low-altitude flight in his helicopter, making it the first rotary-wing aircraft to carry a person. The flight covered a distance of approximately 50 meters (164 feet) and lasted for about 20 seconds.

Despite its groundbreaking achievement, the Cornu helicopter faced several challenges. It lacked stability and control, making it difficult to maneuver and limiting its practical use. Additionally, the helicopter’s overall performance and lifting capacity were relatively modest compared to other contemporary aviation developments.

While the Cornu helicopter did not lead to further advancements in rotary-wing flight at the time, it played a crucial role in the early experimentation and understanding of helicopter design principles. It contributed to the knowledge base that later innovators would build upon, leading to significant developments in helicopter technology in the years and decades that followed.