Curtiss-Wright VZ-7

VZ-7
Role VTOL utility aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Curtiss-Wright
First flight 1958 ?
Retired 1960
Status Canceled
Primary user United States Air Force
Number built 2

The Curtiss-Wright VZ-7 (also known as the VZ-7AP[1]) was a VTOL quadrotor helicopter aircraft designed by the Curtiss-Wright company for the US Army. Like the Chrysler VZ-6 and the VZ-8 Airgeep it was to be a "flying jeep".

Design and development

The Aerophysics Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Curtiss-Wright, designed an "Aerial Platform" for a US Army Transport and Research Command "Flying Jeep" design competition. The Aerophysics design sat two in tandem between four ducted fan rotors and could also be armed with machine-guns or recoil-less rifles.[2]

To prove the design concept the US Army ordered two prototypes of a smaller single-seat demonstrator, the VZ-7, which were delivered to the US Army in mid-1958. The VZ-7 had a fuselage with the pilot's seat, fuel tanks and flight controls. On both sides of the fuselage the four propeller/rotors were attached, unshrouded (the aircraft did originally have shrouds, but these were later removed). The VZ-7 was controlled by changing the thrust of each propeller and was maneuverable and easy to fly.[citation needed]

Operational history

The aircraft performed well during tests but, not being able to meet the Army's standards, was retired and returned to the manufacturer in 1960.

One VZ-7 is part of the United States Army Aviation Museum aircraft collection at Fort Novosel. However, it is not currently on public display due to space restrictions.[3][4]

Specifications

Data from Flying Jeeps[5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 17 ft 0 in (5.18 m)
  • Width: 16 ft 0 in (4.88 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
  • Empty weight: 1,700 lb (771 kg)
  • Gross weight: 2,100 lb (953 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Artouste IIB turboshaft engine, 425 shp (317 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 32 mph (51 km/h, 28 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 25 mph (40 km/h, 22 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 200 ft (61 m)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ^ "The American Industry" Flight 19 August 1960 p247
  2. ^ Bridgman, Leonard, ed. (1958). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1958-59. London: Jane's All the World's Aircraft Publishing Co. Ltd. pp. 252–253.
  3. ^ Rotary Wing Collection of the US Army Aviation Museum Archived July 13, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "Forum discussion with many pictures of aircraft in storage (incl. the VZ-7)". Archived from the original on 2012-07-21. Retrieved 2010-09-02.
  5. ^ Harding 1998, p. 12.
  • Harding, Stephen (January–February 1998). "Flying Jeeps: The U.S. Army's Search for the ultimate 'Vehicle'". Air Enthusiast. No. 73. pp. 10–12. ISSN 0143-5450.
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