The Guinness World Records has officially recognized the GEN H-4, developed by Japan’s Gen Corporation, as the world’s smallest manned helicopter.
The ultra-light, single-seater aircraft features an open-frame design with a rotor length of just 4 meters (13 feet) and an empty weight of only 70 kilograms (154 pounds).
Engineers eliminated the traditional tail rotor entirely by utilizing a coaxial, contra-rotating twin-rotor system, which naturally counteracts torque to keep the aircraft stable. Powering the helicopter are four independent, 125 cc two-cylinder gasoline engines. This multi-engine configuration adds a crucial safety layer: the aircraft can maintain flight and land safely even if an engine malfunctions.
According to official performance data, the GEN H-4 can reach a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph) and achieve a maximum flight altitude of 1000 meters (3280 feet), with an airborne endurance limit of up to 30 minutes.
