Molyneux XM-1000 helicopter - development history, photos, technical data

Molyneux XM-1000
1956

First rotary wing craft built in Australia, by Melbourne engineer Molyneux. It had tandem three-blade rotors.

G.Apostolo "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters", 1984

The only attempt at rotary wing construction in Australia has been made by G.C.Molyneux, a consulting engineer of Melbourne in the State of Victoria.

This rotorcraft, developed from a small-scale experimental model, will be the first Australian-built helicopter. It will have two rotors set in tandem, each rotor having three blades.

P.Lambermont "Helicopters and Autogyros of the World", 1958

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Seen in this drawing to be of advanced design, the Molyneux XM-1000 will be Australia's first helicopter (apart from a single-seat prototype model due to fly shortly). A five-seater, it will have a Pratt and Whitney Wasp engine, will weigh 1800kg all-up, and have a range of 560km.

"Flight", 17 February 1956

Yet another interesting private venture on the Australian scene is the Molyneux two-seater helicopter, predecessor of the Molyneux XM-1000 five-seat, tandem rotor helicopter powered by a 550hp Pratt and Whitney Wasp engine.

"Flight", 23 August 1957

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Technical data for XM-1000
Number of seats: 5, engine: 1 x 500hp, rotor diameter: 9.14m, gross weight: 1814kg, cruising speed: 145km/h, inclining climb: 296m/min, range: 560km

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