Rotorcraft
The Fenestron Turns 50
Airbus Helicopters marks iconic design.

Airbus Helicopters is today commemorating 50 years since the first flight of its emblematic fenestron shrouded tailrotor. Fifty years ago today, the first fenestron flew on the second prototype of the Sud Aviation Gazelle. In the ensuing years, the configuration has become an integral part of designs for the companies that have emerged from Sud, including Aerospatiale, Eurocopter, and Airbus Helicopters.