Throughout its 60+ year history, Winnebago has designed some unique and interesting RVs. Even today, the company is at the forefront of innovation as it explores the possibilities of an all-electric camper van. But the iconic brand’s most unusual project is probably the Heli-Home, a flying RV built on the frame of a decommissioned Sikorsky S-55 helicopter.
The video above takes a deep dive into the whole story, but the short version is this. Back in the 1970s, a Florida-based company called Orlando Helicopter Airways built a flying motorhome called the Helicamper. The design drew the attention of the team at Winnebago, who began exploring the idea of creating their own airborne RV.
Image Courtesy of Winnebago
Eventually, the two companies collaborated on a prototype model of the Winnebago Heli-Home. The vehicle featured a variety of common RV features from the era, including a dinette that converted into a bed, wall-to-wall carpeting on the floor, and sound-dampening insulation to keep the cabin quieter. The helicopter also had an HVAC system, electric stove, refrigerator, and a generator. It even came with a bathroom that had a shower and a chemical toilet.
Sadly, the Heli-Home never went much beyond the prototype phase. As it turns out, the market for flying RVs wasn’t very big in the 1970s, and the requirement of a pilot’s license was a significant blockade. The vehicle also cost around $300,000, which, when adjusted for inflation, translates to nearly $1.5 million in today’s money.
While the Heli-Home has been relegated to just a footnote in RV history, it remains a fascinating project. Check out the video above to get the whole story.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. And avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
