| Description: | In June 1942, the building of the "Model 30" prototype was moved out of the main Bell plant and into a "skunk works" shed converted from an old Chrysler dealership in Gardenville. In December 1942, the "Model 30", Ship 1 was christened "Genevieve" and dollied out and the engines run up. Ship 1 had a 32 foot rotor, 160 HP Franklin aircooled engine, 3-wheel undercarriage and carried a single occupant. The first formal flight took place in July 1943 as "Genevieve" reached speeds in excess of 70 MPH. Unfortunately, "Genevieve" crashed shortly after due to a poorly designed landing gear. |
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