title: VFW-Fokker H3 Sprinter
text: # VFW-Fokker H3 Sprinter
  
  The VFW-Fokker H3 Sprinter was a single-engined experimental rotorcraft designed and built in West Germany. Two aircraft were produced by VFW-Fokker in the early 1970s, registered D-9543 and D-9544. Intended as the first of a family of tip-jet driven helicopters the two H3 prototypes flew briefly but the method of rotor propulsion was found to be unsuccessful for this size of aircraft. Due to a high rotor overspeed, they could perform jump take-offs to 280 feet (85 m) at a rate of 1,600 feet (490 m) per minute. An improved H4 variant was designed but not built.
  
  ## Aircraft on display
  
  Both aircraft have survived. D-9543 is currently on display at the Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg with the other H3 thought to be in a private collection in Germany.
  
  ## Specifications (H3)
  
  Data from Jane's Pocket Book of Research and Experimental Aircraft, 1976.
  
  General characteristics
  
  * Crew: One
  * Capacity: 2 passengers and 270 kg (595 lb)
  * Length: 7.37 m (24 ft 2.25 in)
  * Wingspan: 8.70 m (28 ft 6.52 in)
  * Height: 2.50 m (8 ft 2.43 in)
  * Max takeoff weight: 968 kg (2,134 lb)
  * Powerplant: 1 × Allison 250-C18 turboshaft
  
  Performance
  
  * Cruise speed: 250 km/h (155 mph, 135 kn)
  * Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,120 ft)
  