Buzz's Helicopter

Constructed and developed in complete secrecy, the Khan Industries helicopter is the most revolutionary new aircraft in aviation history. Conceived by Shere Khan as a means to expand his company's thriving aerospace industry and give them a much-needed financial edge over their rival, the Miniversal Corporation, this top-secret project was entrusted to Khan Industries' chief technician Buzz, who created a fascinating and ingenious marvel of aircraft engineering.

The Khan Industries helicopter (codenamed the "Cuisinart" by chief designer Buzz) is a groundbreaking achievement in aviation technology. Unlike ordinary airplanes or hybrid autogiros, this flying machine generates all its propulsion from a single long-bladed propeller mounted on the roof of the aircraft. The powerful main engine produces enough thrust to carry the helicopter straight into the air, permitting a vertical takeoff — something unheard of in mainstream aviation thus far.

Four hydraulic arms attached to the base of the propeller are linked directly to the flight controls, giving the pilot total control over the aircraft. Tilted at various angles through manipulation of the hydraulic system, the propeller allows the helicopter to move forwards, backwards, sideways, and vertically, or even hover in midair. A second, sideways-mounted tail propeller is used to counteract the gyroscopic effects of the main propeller and change course during flight.

The Khan helicopter's roomy cockpit/cargo area seats two passengers comfortably, in addition to the pilot who sits in a separate seat facing the control panel. A curved, shatterproof glass canopy — equipped with hinges for emergency exits — provides an exceptional field of vision for the pilot. Rotating exterior mirrors controlled from the cockpit cover the helicopter's blind spots. The flight controls are as innovative as the craft itself. The pilot uses a standard steering wheel to maneuver the helicopter and a throttle bar to adjust forward speed, as well as various levers and instruments to regulate the craft's systems.

Project "Cuisinart" was completed at the beginning of Khan Industries' latest quarter with no problems or apparent security risks. Utmost precaution was taken to ensure that information about the project did not reach the wrong ears. However, one security risk had already infiltrated the company — Mr. Perry, an employee of Khan Industries and one of Shere Khan's most trusted junior executives, was actually a double agent secretly hired by Miniversal Corporation's chairman, Mr. Sultan. Perry had inside information on the project that would enable him to steal the prototype and deliver it to Miniversal, in return for an advance payment of one million dollars.

However, Buzz stumbled upon the subterfuge and fled Khan Tower in the newly-completed, untested prototype. Thinking quickly, Perry lied to Shere Khan that Buzz was the double agent, a suspicion Perry claimed he had harbored for "quite some time." Enraged, Khan posted a large reward for Buzz's capture and the return of his top-secret project.

	Mr. Perry, spy for the Miniversal Corporation.

Of course, Baloo and Kit knew that Buzz was innocent and flew to the inventor's retreat in the NoSmoky Mountains to help. Unfortunately, in seeking assistance for Buzz, Baloo had the misfortune to run into Perry, who pretended to be concerned about Buzz only long enough to gain access to the inventor's secret laboratory and the top-secret project. With Kit's help, Baloo and Buzz escaped and fled the laboratory in the helicopter prototype. After a frantic chase with Khan fighters through the city of Cape Suzette, the three of them managed to reach Shere Khan — who was in conference with Mr. Sultan himself — and exposed Miniversal's plot. Perry was fired, Buzz was reinstated in his old position as head of Khan's research department, and the top-secret project was put back under secure protection.

Since that time, repairs have been made to the top-secret prototype to repair the damage caused by Khan's attack planes. The chase itself was useful in highlighting a number of problems with the plane's design, particularly the use of low-octane fuel to power the craft's engines. All of these wrinkles must be ironed out before mass production can begin. But once Buzz's helicopter is finally unleashed upon the skies, no doubt it will have a profound impact upon the future of aviation.

BUZZ'S HELICOPTER
Craft: Khan Industries Project "Cuisinart" Type: Prototype helicopter Scale: Aircraft Length: 30 feet Skill: Gyroplane piloting: helicopter Crew: 1 Crew Skill: Varies widely Passengers: 2 Cargo Capacity: 800 lbs.* Cost: Not for sale Top Speed: 220 mph* Maneuverability: 4D Weapons: None Hull: 4D * Untested. Estimates are given.