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The LZ-5 (aka YH-31 or D-10B) was a utility helicopter developed by the American Doman Helicopters company. The LZ-5 began development after the completion of an international manufacturing agreement. However, no production series was ever forthcoming. Three prototypes were built in total. The LZ-5 was not a major change from its predecessor the LZ-4. There were however quite a few detail changes and one major change in engine power. The LZ-5 uses a 400 horsepower supercharged Lycoming 580-D engine. This may not be that powerful by modern standards, but at the time this was a high figure. The engine was an eight-cylinder piston design, which was mounted beneath the pilot’s compartment. The LZ-5 was a medium-sized aircraft with room for two crew and six passengers with luggage. It could also accommodate four stretchers when used as a medical transport. Two of the three prototypes were delivered to the US Army with the designation YH-31. The army tested them for a time, but it was felt that the rotor system was too complex for practical field repair and so it was withdrawn from the Army inventory in 1958 after serving briefly as executive transports.
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