Powered by a single 72 HP Porsche engine, the DNS-1 was the droned version of Gyrodynes optimized XRON-1 Rotorcycle which had a 20 rotor diameter. The Navy ordered nine DNS-1 airframes [DS-1000 to DS-1008] under Contract NOas 59-0219-c, BASIC. These airframes were used for technical evaluation and systems development to test the Landing Assist Device (LAD); an aid to landing helicopters on rolling pitching ship decks. 
List of Operators of DSN-1 / QH-50A |
| Years | Model | Org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960/71 | DSN / QH-50 DASH |  US Navy |
Global Distribution of DSN-1 / QH-50A |
|
Construction Numbers |
| C/N | Year | History | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS-1000 | 1960 | 001000 | |
| DS-1001 w/o 1960 | 1960 | 001001 | |
| DS-1002 w/o 1960 | 1960 | 001002 | |
| DS-1003 w/o 1960 | 1960 | 001003 | |
| DS-1004 | 1960 | 001004 | |
| DS-1005 | 1960 | 001005 | |
| DS-1006 | 1960 | 001006 | |
| DS-1007 w/o 1961 | 1960 | 001007 | |
| DS-1008 | 1960 | 001008 |
