Gas Turbine Powers Helicopter -- The U.S. Navy announced today the first successful flight by a gas turbine shaft powered helicopter. William R. Murray of Wilton, Conn., a former Navy pilot is shown at teh controls of the experimental K-225 as it hovers over Bradley Field, Windsor Locks, Conn., during a test flight. The helicopter is powered by a Boeing XT50 gas turbine which develops 175 horsepower and weighs 250 pounds or about half that of a comparable piston engine. December 16, 1951. (Photo