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
editOrdered 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
editThe 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
editData from [2]
General characteristics
See also
editAircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
editNotes
edit- ^ Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. p. 176. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "American airplanes - Ca - Ci". www.aerofiles.com. 15 August 2008. Retrieved 2010-02-15.
- ^ a b Harding, Stephen (1990). U.S Army Aircraft Since 1947. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing. p. 90. ISBN 1-85310-102-8.