Boeing Model 360

The Boeing Model 360 is an American experimental medium-lift tandem rotor cargo helicopter developed privately by Boeing to demonstrate advanced helicopter technology. It was a technology demonstrator with no plans for production, and many of its design features were carried onto other programmes including the RAH-66 Comanche and the V-22 Osprey. Boeing Vertol developed it in the 1980s with company funds as a new design making extensive use of composites, including fibreglass and graphite rotor heads, graphite fuselage frames and a Nomex and Kevlar skin. The two four-bladed counter-rotating tandem rotors were each driven by Avco Lycoming AL5512 turboshaft engines, there were no external sponsons, the tricycle landing gear retracted into the fuselage, and the cockpit had six multi-function displays. The sole prototype is preserved at the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester, Pennsylvania.