Chrysler VZ-6

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]

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]

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)

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar – 1959 experimental VTOL aircraft model
• Curtiss-Wright VZ-7 – VTOL quadrotor helicopter aircraft
• Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep – VTOL aircraft prototype by Piasecki Aircraft

Related lists

• List of military aircraft of the United States
• List of single seat helicopters