SNCASO SO 1221 Djinn: French light helicopter
Positive experiences that had gained from the earlier Ariel experimental tip jet helicopter had given French aviation company Sud-Ouest a strong desire to pursue development of a practical light helicopter that would harness this technology.
Out of their efforts towards this aim emerged the design of a light twin-seat rotorcraft, which was promptly designated as the SO.1221 Djinn. While this newer design did not share an identical tip jet system to the Ariel, the type did rely upon the same basic concept of feeding compressed air, which was generated by an onboard pump, to the tips of the vehicle’s rotor blades to drive the movement of the blades.
