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

A personal helicopter designed by the de Lackner company. It was supposed to be able to be flown successfully with only 20 minutes of training. I don’t know about that, looks like one bad move and you are chopped to bits by the open blades directly beneath you. It operated by the concept of kinesthetic control, in which the pilot would just shift their weight to the sides – like the Segway. The Army ordered twelve prototypes for testing purposes.

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

Not much information on this guy, this picture was taken on August 6th, 1958. It looks more like a flying motorcycle than a jeep. Still cool though. I would be worried about a bumpy ride because those blades are open and seem like a huge danger, gotta love the safety standards of the 1950’s. It was powered by two 72hp engines, one for each blade. This project was cancelled in early 1959.

I would be careful chasing any rebel scum through the forests of Endor on it.

Hiller VZ-1 Pawnee

Like the HZ-1 this one also used counter rotating blade beneath the pilot, but at least there was a nice screen to be a little bit safer. This design was a much better fit, and at least two different modifications were made to the design. The first model was powered by two 44hp engines, one linked to each 7ft blade, and operated by the same motorcycle throttle system. This smaller model was called ONR 1031-A-1 and had its first successful flight in February of 1955. A version with slight modifications to this model was also created.

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)

Nicknamed “The Flying Pulpit” or WASP (Williams Aerial Service Platform). This one came much later than the previous listed single person craft, in 1980. It was quite good for what it was. Much like the earlier ones, the operator would use kinesthetic control – moving their body to the side they wanted to turn to. It had fast acceleration, reaching speeds of 60mph and heights up to 10,000ft.

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)

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I disclose the SECRET US Military plans for a moon base!

I hope you've enjoyed my latest quick read series: Historical Misfits!

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Like these? Check out this cool military flying saucer!

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