Mitsubishi RP-1
The Mitsubishi RP-1 was a Japanese experimental helicopter based on the Bell 204/UH-1 family but fitted with a rotor system designed to reduce vibration and noise. It was part of Mitsubishi’s research into more comfortable, efficient rotorcraft rather than a large production programme. The project flew in the 1980s and remained a technology demonstrator. Its rarity reflects its role as a one-off research machine, not a commercial transport type.
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Did you know?
The Mitsubishi RP-1 was a one-off 1980s research helicopter, based on the Bell UH-1 family but fitted with a low-vibration rotor design.
Specifications
| Length | 12.7 m (42 ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.9 m (13 ft) |
| Rotor diameter | 14.6 m (48 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 10 |
| Persons on board | 6 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 4.5 t |
| Range | 300 NM (556 km) |
| Maximum speed | 120 kt (222 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 6,000 ft (1,829 m) |
| Engines | 2x turboshaft engines |
| Units built | 1 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Mitsubishi RP-1 starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Mitsubishi, the RP-1 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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