This is an original Kaman Rotor Tips company publication, April 1961, Vol. II No. 1. The cover is an artistic rendering of a U.S. Navy HU2K-1 Seasprite helicopter (tail number 7974) performing an all-weather mission, set against a colorful aurora-style sky.
The lead article, "HU2K-1 Cold Weather Testing," details the Seasprite's icing flight tests at Eglin Air Force Base, following up on earlier Ottawa cold-weather testing referenced in the December 1960 issue. Additional contents include "More From Lee," "Current Changes," "Maintenance Mailbag," "Q's and A's," and the Kaman Service Representatives listing.
Jeffrey C. Evans (1945-2025) was a respected helicopter historian, researcher, photographer, and long-term member of both the Vertical Flight Society and Vertical Aviation International. He co-authored The Bell 47 Helicopter Story: Birth of the Commercial & Military Helicopter Industry.
This item was acquired as part of a group of helicopter photographs, slides, manuals, brochures, technical documents, and aviation archive material purchased from his California estate in 2026.
By early 1961, the Seasprite was still relatively new to Navy service, and Kaman Rotor Tips served as a direct line between the factory, field service representatives, and operators. This issue's mix of cold-weather test data, maintenance notes, and service representative listings shows how Kaman supported its helicopters in the field — not just how they looked on a brochure cover.
Single issue, three-hole punched binder format. Visible binder holes, light corner/edge wear, surface rubbing, and mild age toning. Interior pages appear intact and readable from photos, with normal handling and binder storage wear. No pages missing per seller note. Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.
| Publication | Kaman Rotor Tips |
| Issue | April 1961, Vol. II No. 1 |
| Publisher | The Kaman Aircraft Corporation |
| Format | Single issue, 3-hole punched |
| Provenance | Jeffrey C. Evans Helicopter Archive Estate |
| Custom SKU | PHO-FLDH1-BCFJ |
Ships free, flat, between rigid stiffeners to prevent bending or creasing. Tracked shipping included.
Photos are part of the description — please review all images closely before purchasing.