| |
59-04982, Boeing build number B-001, was a prototype YHC-1B helicopter concept test device. The U.S. Army acceptance date was 26 October 1962. The administrative strike date was 1 June 1971. 59-04982 accumulated 3,854.0 aircraft hours as a ground test device. 59-04982 was the first aircraft on contract AF33(600)39452 (Fiscal Year 1959) for five YHC-1B helicopters, paid for by the U.S. Air Force due to U.S. Army funding constraints. 59-04982 was rolled out on 28 April 1961 and immediately bailed to Vertol as a test bed. Tied down securely on the Vertol plant ramp, this aircraft became the subject of an endurance project designed to explore the durability of the power plant and drive train system. These, and subsequent early designed Chinooks, were powered by the Lycoming T55-L-5 engines, generating 1,940 shaft horsepower each. In July 1962, the Department of Defense re-designated all U.S. military aircraft to a new system. All YHC-1B helicopters became YCH-47A. 59-04982 was utilized as a tie down testing device at Boeing Vertol and then transferred to Aberdeen Proving Ground for ballistic tests. As of 19 May 1972, the last known location of 59-04982 was Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Aberdeen, Maryland. Aircraft status: Unknown. |
