I grew up in the 1960's in the San Fernando Valley. Back then the Valley soundtrack was Clay Lacy taking hot laps in his racing P-51 ( quite the treat for a kid outside for recess ), rocket tests at nearby Rocketdyne, and almost daily sonic booms. Even as a kid I was aware of the Lockheed AH-56 and the 286. I knew it was special. One day at recess I vividly recall the Lockheed 286 pulling a loop right over our elementary school. It was a riveting sight, and it remains burned into my mind today. Later in life I flew tandem rotor Boeing Vertols and consider them to be the best operational helo design, period. But still, I wish I could have gotten my hands on something like a Cheyenne or 286.
Mike Gray, e-mail, 23.09.2008 06:50
I came across one of the 286s in central California around 1986, stored in the hanger of a local rancher/pilot. Tried to get the money together for a restoration to flying condition, hope someone with the financing finds it someday.
Art Bliss, e-mail, 04.04.2008 16:31
I was fortunate enough to get a one hour demo ride in the 286 in Aug 1967 with Lockheed test pilot Herman (Fish) Salmon. I do not understand why this machine didn't sell. It was superior to anything at the time and was ahead of some machines flying today.
Cathy Edwards, e-mail, 11.02.2008 00:00
Is this the same helicopter patented by Paul e Williams? Patent #3065933.
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