Derived from the experimental Hiller Ten99, the Model 1100 was designed to take advantage of the dramatic performance boost to helicopters provided by a turbojet engine.  The Model 1100 competed for the US Army’s Light Observation Helicopter competition in 1961, proceeding to the fly-off stage with five aircraft built, flown and tested under the YOH-5 designation.  Although the YOH-5 was found to have superior performance and handling to the competing Hughes YOH-6, the Hughes bid was lower and it was selected for production.

During the LOH competition Stanley Hiller Jr. merged his California helicopter company with Maryland-based Fairchild Aircraft.  Hiller left the combined entity soon thereafter, but the Model 1100 was certified by the FAA for civilian use and was produced as the Fairchild Hiller FH-1100.  With some 250 built through 1973, the FH-1100 was the last Hiller-designed helicopter to enter service.

Specifications

Capacity:  5 (1 pilot and 4 passengers)

MTOW:  2,750 lbs

Powerplant:  Allison Model 250-C18, 317 shp

Cruise Speed:  110 knots

Range:  300 nautical miles