Brantly B-1. The Brantly B-1 was developed in Philadelphia and it first flew in 1946.
Brantly B-1.
Brantly B-1.
Brantly B-1. Mr. Brantly is on the far left. On the far right is Edward Kiesel, and next to him is Al Hoover.
Historical photo of a Brantly B-2 flying near the factory in Frederick Oklahoma . The model B-2 was certified in 1959 and the factory was moved in 1967 or 68. Since the model B-2A was introduced in 1962, this picture was most probably taken in the period 1959-62.
B-2 Publicity shot circa 1959-62. The man in the picture is Frank Erikson, Brantly's first test pilot. The lady is Mr. Brantly's secretary.
The arrmy made design suggestions during the testing phase of the Brantly B-2. For example, they suggested that the tail rotor should be further up from the ground. The Army bought 5 ships for evaluation.
A flock of Brantly B-2s.
This photo shows an experimental configuration: - straight tail - wheel langing gear - wide instrument panel - no fairings on the inboard blades - no engine cooling intakes The B-2 first flew in 1953 and was certified in 1959 so the pictures are circa 1953-59.
Another view of the experimental configuration.
Another photo of experimental, with wheels instead of skids.
These experimental models are closer to the final configuration. The only difference on the one at the bottom is the oil cooler is wrapped around the tail cone instead of where it is currently. The top one has both the experimental oil cooler and the wheeled landing gear. Circa 1953-1959.
Brantly B-2 in front of factory in Oklahoma. You can faintly makeout the "experimental" word on the engine cowling. The only difference from the final configuration of the B-2 is the oil cooler wrapped around the tail cone.
Structural Testing of B-2B.
Here's another one of the experimental B-2 pre-certification. You can make out that the main blade tip is not square. In fact, blade no 248-40 had a delta shaped blade tip fairing. The man is Bill Kiesel, Brantly's Plant Operations Supervisor at the time.
Experimental prototype of B-2. Note oil cooler wrapped around the tail cone. On the right is Vince Montuoro, Brantly's Vice President. Photo taken no later than 4/58.
A B-2 on floats. Please remember that the Brantly factory wants anyone with an interest in floats to contact them as they are considering offering them again.
B-2A on floats.
Brantly B-2B on floats. Our friend Harold Jenkins is the pilot on Lake Frederick.
Brantly with spraying system.
Brantly B-2A with spraying system. Hank Van Barron was the pilot in this picture.
Brantly 305 - 2 crew, 3 passengers, 250 lbs cargo. Max weight 2,900 lbs. It used a Lycoming IVO-540-B1A piston engine and had a max speed of 120 mph. When introduced in 1964, the Brantly 305 sold for $48,900.
B305 on floats.
B305 on floats. Roy Orr was the pilot and Harold Jenkins was the passenger.
Brantly 305. The unit shown was a custom built for Tom Foster from St. Louis, shown at the controls.
Publicity shot from a brochure for the Brantly 305. Picture taken in Lawton, OK. Man on far left is Bill Upton, a Brantly test pilot, then Mr. Brantly's secretary. Man on far right is Brantly VP Vince Montero.
Brantly 305 with Bill Upton at the controls. It turns out that Bill and Harold were in this ship in Milheim, PA when they lost the tail rotor and the aircraft proceeded to crash into the down slope of a hillside. Of the incident Harold said, "I've probably got more time flying without a tail rotor than just about any helicopter pilot." Harold mentioned that a young man picked them up from the crash site and was taking them to the hospital, but Harold and Bill talked him into letting them out at the bar where they "recovered".
Interior of Brantly 305.
Picture of a 305 at the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley, B.C.
Mr. Brantly also designed a loader and backhoe, shown in this photo.
Newby O. Brantly circa late 50's early '60s.
Newby O. Brantly circa '75-'85.
Newby O. Brantly, circa late '80s.
B-2B featured on album cover.