Back Sznycer SG-VI-D
1947

Sznycer SG-VI-D

Bernard W. Sznycer, a former engineer with Pitcairn, developed the three-seat SG-VI-D helicopter in Canada in the mid-1940s. He was assisted by Selma Gottlieb and supported by Engineering Products of Canada Ltd (CanAmerican). The sole prototype, CF-FGG-X, flew on 9 July 1947, and gained its Canadian type certificate in February 1951. It had an enclosed cabin and open tubular tailboom and was powered by a 178hp Franklin GA-4-165-BGF engine positioned horizontally above the tailboom. This drove a four-blade main rotor with a complex control system. It was subsequently upgraded to become the SG-VI-E with a 200hp Franklin 6A4-200-C6 engine.

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

Sznycer SG-VI-D

Sznycer SG-VI-D

Comments
David Barrett, e-mail, 23.05.2010reply

I have been interviewing Mr. Casimir Biebers, who says his uncle was Bernard Sznycer and that Mr. Sznycer invented the first fully articulated helicopter rotor. HE also says that Mr. Sznycer built a glider that was used to drop Allied spies into Normandy. Any one with any more information on Mr. Sznycer, please contact me: David Barrett, Gemini Creative Services (dbarrett@gemini.us.com).

Janice Macaulay, e-mail, 12.07.2022 David Barrett

My father, Jack Charleson, was the DOT official responsible for testing and certifying the SG-VI. He kept in touch with Bernard and his wife Katharine for many years afterwards. When my husband and I moved to New York City in 1967, he introduced us to the Sznycers and we also became very close friends of this amazing duo. I just came across a note from my father which refers to the glider you asked about in your comment. If this is still of interest to you, don't hesitate to be in touch.

reply

Dan Beztilny, e-mail, 02.08.2009reply

I saw this aircraft CF-FGG today (Aug 01, 2009) at the Stan Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada. It's on public display there and seems to be complete and in pretty good condition.

Robert Kelsall, e-mail, 04.05.2007reply

I have been putting together more information about the A&S 18A which I gained from talking to John Potter over a period of many years. The rotor head on the 18A was derived from the SG-VI-E. I designed the new 300HP 28A in carbon fiber, but John died last June.
Between 2000 and 2005 I designed a two place high performance unloaded rotor compound helicopter which is not yet financed. Comment - I was pleased to see a picture of the SG-VI-E

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