Chrysler VZ-6
| Chrysler VZ-6 | |
|---|---|
| Role | VTOL experimental platform |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler |
| First flight | 1959 |
| Number built | 2 |
|
| |
The Chrysler VZ-6 was an American VTOL ducted-fan test vehicle designed and built by Chrysler for the United States Army Flying Jeep competition.[1][2]
Design and development
Ordered in 1958, two VZ-6s were built. It was a rectangular-shaped vehicle with two three-bladed propellers inset at the front and back.[2] The 500 hp Lycoming engine was located in the centre driving the ducted fan propellers.[2] It was also fitted with rubber skirts around the bottom edge of the vehicle similar to a hovercraft.[2]
Operational history
The VZ-6 started tethered flight tests in 1959, but these showed that the vehicle was overweight and underpowered with stability problems.[2] An attempt at a non-tethered flight resulted in the VZ-6 flipping completely over writing off the vehicle but the pilot escaped without any serious injuries.[2] Both VZ-6s were scrapped in 1960.[2]
Specifications
Data from [2]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 21 ft 6 in (6.55 m)
- Height: 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m) [3]
- Gross weight: 2,400 lb (1,089 kg) [3]
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming , 500 hp (370 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 2× 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists