'Doman Helicopters, Inc, flew its first passengers in a Doman LZ-5 'air taxi' on July 13th, in Danbury, Connecticut. There were seven passengers taking the historic initial flight. The LZ-5 is a commercial version of the YH-31 evacuation ambulance which carries four litters plus an attendant and the pilot.' This was the first LZ-5 prototype, first flown on 27 April 1953. Three were built. 52-5779 was also N13458. It is said that the US Army used 52-5779 and 52-5780 around Washington, DC as VH-31s, but that seems rather unlikely. Photo from: Vertical Flight Society

The utility helicopter LZ-5 utilised Doman's unorthodox gimbal mounted, rotor head system with no need for flap and drag hinges dampers. The type did not go into production and only three prototypes were built, the first two of which were purchased by the US Army, as the YH-31, but ultimately rejected as the rotor system was deemed too complex for practical field repair. The third prototype flew extensively in Canada as CF-IBG and in the US, France (Paris Air Show in 1960) and Italy with the registration N812, and is now on display at this super museum.