Chrysler VZ-6

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]

Chrysler VZ-6
Role VTOL experimental platform
National origin United States
Manufacturer Chrysler
First flight 1959
Number built 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 center 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 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

References

Notes
  1. Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. p. 176. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.
  2. "American airplanes - Ca - Ci". www.aerofiles.com. 15 August 2008. Retrieved 2010-02-15.
  3. Harding, Stephen (1990). U.S Army Aircraft Since 1947. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing. p. 90. ISBN 1-85310-102-8.
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