The First Dutch Helicopter, Built Between 1925 and 1930 in Color

This remarkable colorized footage dives into the Netherlands’ bold early attempts to conquer the skies with a helicopter, designed by A.G. von Baumhauer between 1925 and 1930. Sparked by a 1922 British Air Ministry challenge promising a prize for a craft reaching 100 meters and 100 km/h, the film meticulously details the construction of this pioneering prototype. Witness its ill-fated first flight on October 30, 1925, ending in a catastrophic crash, followed by a more hopeful second attempt on December 24, hovering briefly at half a meter. Set to whimsical music that underscores the era’s quirky ambition, this footage—echoing the legacy of Igor Sikorsky—offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation’s infancy for history buffs and tech enthusiasts alike.