Air-Britain Archive 1997-04 / Extracts

Believed to be the only photograph of the Italian BGM-2 helicopter, this view appeared in many aviation magazines about 1950 but was accompanied by few details. The boy attempting to spin the rotor blade gives some idea of scale but more accurate details would be welcome.
Flying, October 1950: * p.37 - Described as a 'midget helicopter', the BGM-2 is an Italian design of rocket-like shape with twin rotors powered by a 80 hp engine. No registration is shown, or details of the manufacturer.
Flying. October 1950: * p.37 - The BGM-2 two-seat helicopter was exhibited in prototype form and is quoted as having an 80 hp engine, 1,100 lb weight and an intended range of 400 miles. One source names it as a Brondetti design but another gives the names Bordini, Gianini and Manzolini; the last-named was later the designer of the Libellula helicopter series. Our photo shows the fuselage fully-clad but it is said to have had a completely open structure originally - perhaps as the BGM-1 if this designation existed? We have no evidence that the helicopter ever flew, indeed any further information about it would be most welcome.