Magyar News, 1993. szeptember-1994. augusztus (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1993-10-01 / 2. szám

HELICOPTER - FIRST IN THE HUNGARIAN SKY

(continued from page 1)

Fischamend Experimental Institute, he developed a highly sophisticated airscrew that is named after him. During the same period, other problems were occupying aviation experts. The hydrogen filled recognizance balloons became very vulnerable and dangerous in the battlefield and all sides were trying to replace it with something else. This was what became the helicopter. With all the research and experiment the result was limited. These flying machines were able to lift off and land, but they had to be fastened and controlled with long cables from the ground. They had no way to stabilize the flight. In Hungary there were three engineers working on the project. With Asboth we find István Petroczy and Todor Karman. The later as an American became the father of the supersonic aviation.

Asboth carried on with his helicopter and after ten years of hard work and research he built the AH-1—the Asboth Helicopter-1—with a 120 horsepower nine cylinder engine. The flight at a small grassy field was witnessed by many foreign dignitaries and experts and the success lent new impetus to relevant research throughout the world. Asboth’s achievement was greatly appreciated and acknowledged by the scientific community. The prestigious Federation Aeronautique Internationale in 1954 awarded Oszkár Asboth with the exceptional Paul Tissandier diploma.

The registered logo on the propellers Asboth designed.

Two test-pilots István Hosszú and Mihály Vigh made 192 test-flights with Asbolh’s helicopters. As with many things, Hungary failed to capitalize on the success of its helicopter, almost casting the outstanding inventor into obscurity.

very bluntly asked: “Whatever could a machine like this do?” It is true that one really had to have a strong vision to see beyond the contraption. Well, the world had Igor Sikorsky to open up the path that the helicopter had to travel to reach the heights as we know it today.

For Americans, who are knowledgeable of our history, the Asboth name is not unknown. Lajos Asboth, who was adjutant

to Lajos Kossuth and fought in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, came to America. Here he drew up the plans for New York’s Washington Heights and Central Park. Then he joined the Union Arm y. He was wounded in Arkansas. Congress appointed him brigadier general. Later President Grant promoted Asboth to major general and to Ambassador.

Joseph F. Balogh

The first flight of the Asboth helicopter on September 9,1928, with István Hosszú

Infront ofthefourthvariation helicopter Oszkár Asboth, József Spitzer propeller

are, from left to right, Mihály Vigh pilot, builder, and Karoly Nagy mechanic.

After the WWI Europe was plagued with confusion that added to the many experiments and unsuccessful tries in developing the helicopter. Money was tight because of the bad economy. The French were sensitive, the English faced great tragedy among aviation officials and the Dutch were doing their best. In Hungary money for investments of uncertain hopes was in the hands of landowner aristocrats.

At the time when many countries were interested in Asboth’s helicopter the Secretary of Defense of Hungary stared at this contraption of pipes and soccer balls and

BELIEVE OR NOT

A thousand people in each of 21 countries were asked about their belief in God and in life after death. 90% believed in God in the USA, Italy, Ireland and Poland. On the bottom of the ladder was East Germany, SLovenia, Hungary and the Netherlands. The biggest gap between béliéivé in God

and in life after death was in East Germany, Hungary and Slovenia. It trickled down to half.

In 1986 only 25 percent of Hungarians attended church ever. In five years it was up three fold.

Believe it or not, things do change.

Page 3