The Gazda Helicospeeder was an American-built single-seat single-rotor helicopter of the 1940s.
| Gazda Helicospeeder | |
|---|---|
| |
| The Model 100 preserved at the Owls Head Transportation Museum near Rockland, Maine in 2005 | |
| Role | rotorcraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Helicopter Engineering & Construction Co |
| Designer | Antoine Gazda |
| First flight | 1946 |
| Status | one example is preserved |
| Primary user | constructor |
| Produced | 1946-1947 |
| Number built | 2 |
Development
editThe Helicospeeder was designed by Antoine Gazda of Wakefield, Rhode Island in 1946. It was specified to carry one person and publicity releases claimed an ultimate goal of a 300 mph (483 km/h) maximum airspeed. One example of the initial version was completed.[1]
The Model 100 Helicospeeder was developed in 1947, again with a single seat. It was of all-aluminium construction and was powered by a Continental A-75 engine. One example was completed.[2]
Operational history
editThe designer/constructor carried out test flights and a more modest actual speed of 100 mph (161 km/h) was reached. Production examples were expected to sell for 5000 US Dollars, but no firm sales were made.[3]
Variants
editAntoine Gazda planned to build the Model 101, which was intended to accommodate two persons, but no record of its completion has been found.[4]
Aircraft on display
editThe Model 100 Helicospeeder is preserved at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, adjacent to the Knox County Regional Airport, two miles south of Rockland, Maine.[5]
Specifications (Model 100)
editData from Aerofiles
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental A-75 piston, 75 hp (56 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 kn)
See also
editAircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Notes
editReferences
edit- Ogden, Bob (2007). Aviation Museums and Collections of North America. Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 978-0-85130-385-7.|
