Historical Misfits: Flying Platforms
In addition to the ‘Flying Saucer’ of my previous post, the U.S. Army was in search of small, mobile easy to operate scouting platforms for individual troops. They sent out their requirements and a number of contractors created unique flying machines in an attempt to win these lucrative contract deals.
FLYING PLATFORMS
HZ-1 Aerocycle
It was capable of carrying 120 pounds of cargo in addition to the pilot. To do this it was able to carry a line attached to the load beneath it. It used a twist throttle the same as a motorcycle, which controlled the speeds of two propellers operating in opposite directions powered by a 40hp boat motor. Still, it was able to fly up to 5,000ft and reach 55mph. The first flight was performed on the 22nd of November 1954. Well, those two blades operating in opposite directions tended to flex, and sometimes they would make contact and explode into hundreds of pieces. This naturally led to loss of control. After two of these crashes (luckily without major injury), and controlled indoor testing unable to pinpoint the problem, the project was cancelled.
You can see the last remaining one in the U.S. Army Transportation Museum in Fort Eustis, VA.
General characteristics:
Crew: 1
Height: 7ft (2.1m)
Empty weight: 172lb (78kg)
Gross weight: 454lb (206kg)
Fuel capacity: 1 US gallon (3.8l)
Powerplant: Mercury Marine 20H outboard motor, 40hp
Main rotor diameters: 15ft (4.6m)
Maximum speed: 75mph (121km)
Cruise speed: 55mph (89 km)
Range: 15mi (24km)
Endurance: 45 minutes
Service ceiling: 5,000ft (1,524m)
Bensen B-10 Propcopter
I would be careful chasing any rebel scum through the forests of Endor on it.
Hiller VZ-1 Pawnee
The army liked it so much, but they wanted it to be slightly larger. So Hiller created the VZ-1, controlled with a joystick and had three 40hp engines driving two 8ft blades. The model was first tested on the 20th of November 1957. It flew without any problems, but unfortunately the army said that these flying platforms were impractical. The VZ-1 could only go to a maximum height of almost 33ft and travelled slowly at 16mph.
Two of the earlier models survive, one at Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, CA. The other at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
General characteristics: Model 1031-A-1
Crew: 1
Payload: 185lb (84kg)
Length: 8ft 4in (2.54m)
Rotor diameter: 7ft (2.13m)
Height: 7ft (2.13m)
Empty weight: 370lb (167.8kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 555lb (251.7kg)
Powerplants: 2 × Nelson H-56 piston engines, 40hp
Propellers: 2 × contra-rotating two-bladed aluminum
Maximum speed: 16mph (26 km)
Service ceiling: 32.8ft (10m)
Williams WASP (X-Jet)
The army tested the craft in the early 1980’s, but again said that it was not as good as helicopters. You can’t please these guys. I think this is awesome! Check out this 1 minute video recorded with a potato.
General characteristics:
Crew: 1
Height: 4ft (1.22m)
Empty weight: 401lbs (182kg)
Loaded weight: 550lb (250kg)
Powerplant: Williams F107 turbofan, 570lbf
Maximum speed: 60mph (96km)
Flight Time: 45 minutes
Service ceiling: 10,000ft (3,049m)
Loving the post of the armys secret vechicles. Maybe a lot of the ufo sightings around the world can be explained right here.
Keep it up, bro!!
With some of the crazy things they have come up with, I wouldn't doubt it!
Hi @getonthetrain, just stopping by to let you know you were one of my favourite reads today and I've included you in my Steemit Ramble. You can read what I wrote about your post here
Thank you! I will keep popping these out occasionally if you guys still like them.
Very cool. That wasp is awesome. If you find one laying around that I could have, let me know.
I'll see what I got in the back room. :D
The museum at Fort Eustis is about 15 minutes from my home, I need to get over there and visit it. I hear a lot of good things about it.
Hey, there ya go. Take lots of pictures and you could have a great post!
Sounds like a plan. The fact that one of the concepts you featured is there makes it more a worthwhile visit for me.