The concept of a flying mock-up permitted a rapid demonstration of the unique configuration and a measurement of the XHRP-X flight and control characteristics. Early design improvements in the XHRP-1 prototype resulted.

MissionTransport, Crane, Tow, ASW
Crew2
Passengers10
EngineP&W R-1340
Horsepower600
Rotor Diameter41 ft
Fuselage Length48 ft
Weight Empty5,041 ft
Useful Load1,859 lb
Maximum Speed103 mph
Cruising Speed86 mph
Range265 miles
Ceiling with Normal Load10,400 ft

Twelve of the HRP-1’s were assigned to the Marine Corps to help develop vertical assault tactics during operations from the flight carrier Saipan and escort carrier Palau. Navy squadrons flew the HRP-1 until 1953, primarily in the development of antisubmarine warfare equipment and mine-sweeping experiments.

Twenty production HRP-1’s were delivered to the Navy and Coast Guard. It was nicknamed the “flying banana” because of the curve in the fuselage that provided rotor blade clearance. The HRP’s were found to be practical in many pioneering applications that today are standard military doctrine, including search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious assault, heavy transport, and mine-sweeping.