Curtiss-Wright VZ-7
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| VZ-7 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | VTOL utility aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Curtiss-Wright |
| Status | Canceled |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 2 |
| History | |
| First flight | 1958 ? |
| Retired | 1960 |
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".
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)
