1945 McDonnell envisions home delivery by helicopter

The further development of the helicopter, postwar, can make the phrase "Delivery Service Deluxe" a practicable reality. For with helicopter delivery service—residential areas and localities which now lie far beyond the limits of most existing retail delivery zones—can be served as speedily as locations only a few miles from downtown stores. With carrying capacity comparable to a medium motor truck, with specialized ability to fly slowly as well as swiftly, to ascend and descend vertically, the helicopter is well suited to the needs of suburban package delivery service—when operated by professional pilots. Department stores, specialty shops, markets, and other types of retail establishments which maintain substantial home delivery services—may greatly enlarge their normal trading zones with helicopter delivery service—with a consequent increase in customers and sales. For the helicopter may be used for transfer or direct delivery service to areas adjacent to customers' homes. At McDonnell, right now, our main job is making aircraft and parts for war . . . and that's the most important delivery job of all. But it isn't too soon, even now, to discuss postwar plans for specialized helicopter service. We shall welcome the opportunity to sit down with you or your representatives—and work out specifications for the adaptation of a helicopter to your particular commercial needs . . . a type of helicopter which can be utilized for almost any kind of utilitarian service . . . almost anywhere in the world.