A stripped down Flettener 282 returns from a scouting mission to report gathered intelligence news to a patrol of anxious infantrymen. (Beautiful weather does not deter war in the least!) The German Flettner 282 "Kolibri", or "Hummingbird" was the first production helicopter. Its first test flights were conducted in 1941.The "Hummingbird" was equipped with two double-blade intermeshing rotors, also known as a synchrocopter. It was initially conceived as an air vehicle for reconnaissance and ship transfers. The Kriegsmarine was very impressed with it's performance and possibilities and had conducted a number of ship borne landings and take-offs. B units had an additional seat behind the engine for an observer. It was a very successful design for which promising improvements were planned but never materialized due to the deteriorating German position in the war. Units actually produced numbered only 24 of the 1000 machines initially ordered in 1944 due to the bombing of the manufacturing plant in Munich. Excellent Flettner 282 "Kolibri" model by that incomparable craftsman, Pedro Caparros, generously available free at sharecg. Thank you once again Pedro for another amazing model! (Here, stripped down and a bit of re-texture.) German infantrymen: M4 figure with exceptional gear and uniforms by Tannenbaum, available here at Renderosity. Amazing grass fields by The Philosopher Models set up in PoserPro and DazStudio; set up, composed, some texture adjustments, lighting, and render in DazStudio;finished in PS Cs3