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22.1.71
J.S.S.

Cierva Rotorcraft Limited      
Grasshopper Helicopter
(CR-LTH-1)

0. Investment Opportunity Summary

The folder contains a selection of largely self-contained notes with information related to the Grasshopper helicopter project. This helicopter is planned to be available for sale at the end of 1972. A development prototype (shown in the photo inside the folder) was demonstrated in flight at the Farnborough Air Display in September 1970.

The Grasshopper helicopter is being developed by the Cierva Rotorcraft Company, founded in 1926 (as the Cierva Autogiro Company), which has pioneered many Rotorcraft developments

The production model (preceded by a pre-production prototype to be ready in summer 1971) will be based on the latest high-speed piston engines for light aircraft, which are now being tooled up for large-scale production in America.

In 1973, the Grasshopper helicopter is likely to be the only light helicopter (5-seater) with unreserved twin-engine safety. For the first time, a light helicopter will be available with the capability to hover with one engine inoperative. Thus, truly vertical safe take off and landing is ensured under all scheduled atmospheric conditions. This unique capability will appeal to totally new markets. 

Costs of production at the rate of 100 helicopters per year have been evaluated by specialist consultants. On this foundation, the selling price of the Grasshopper helicopter could be less than half that of its direct twin-engine competitors. The price includes distributors' margin, cost of finance, depreciation of the launching investment and profit. This low price, too, will open up new markets.