In 1944, Vincent Bendix (of washing machine fame) established Bendix Helicopters (later renamed Helicopters Inc.). The Bendix designer, Martin Jensen, devised the Bendix Model J single-seater which used a system of coaxial rotors and was driven by a 450hp Pratt & Whitney R-985 piston engine. This was followed by the Model K - with an enclosed tube and fabric fuselage but with a much smaller 100hp Continental C-100 engine. The Model K (NX41817) made its maiden flight in June 1945, but Bendix eventually ceased operations in 1949 without achieving certification.

R.Simpson "Airlife's Helicopter and Rotorcraft", 1998

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Bill Gunston "World Encyclopedia of Aircraft Manufacturers", 2005

Two stacked rotors over a large enclosed pod; tricycle gear. 1 prototype. Became Helicopters Model J and Gyrodyne GCA-2.

www.aerofiles.com

Technical data for Bendix Model J

Engine: 1 x 450hp Pratt & WHitney Wasp, rotor diameter: 14.6m, length: 6.48m, take-off weight: 817kg, max speed: 180km/h, range: 430km