Vertol VZ-2
{{short description|Experimental helicopter by Vertol, later Boeing}}
{{Infobox aircraft
|name=VZ-2
|image=Vertol_VZ-2_(Model_76)_NASA_GPN-2000-001732.jpg
|caption=
|type=Tiltwing research aircraft
|manufacturer= Vertol (later Boeing Vertol)
|designer=
|first_flight=13 August 1957
|introduction=
|retired=1965
|status=Preserved
|primary_user=NASA
|more_users=
|produced=
|number_built=1
|variants=
}}
The Vertol VZ-2 (or Model 76) is a research aircraft built in the United States in 1957 to investigate the tiltwing approach to vertical take-off and landing.
Design and development
The aircraft had a fuselage of tubular framework (originally uncovered) and accommodation for its pilot in a helicopter-like bubble canopy. The T-tail incorporated small ducted fans to act as thrusters for greater control at low speeds.
Ground tests began in April 1957 and on 13 August, the VZ-2 took off for the first time in hover mode only. On 23 July 1958, the aircraft made its first full transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight. By the time the test program ended in 1965, the VZ-2 had made some 450 flights, including 34 full transitions. The aircraft has been preserved by the National Air and Space Museum in storage at the Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility.
Specifications
File:Vertol Model 76 NAN9-58.jpg
{{Aircraft specs
|prime units? = imp
|ref=
|crew=one pilot
|capacity=1 passenger/observer
|length m=8.05
|length ft=26
|length in=5
|span m=7.59
|span ft=24
|span in=11
|dia m=2.90
|dia ft=9
|dia in=6
|height m=4.57
|height ft=15
|height in=0
|empty weight kg=1,678
|empty weight lb=3,700
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=Avco Lycoming YT53-L-1 turboshaft
|eng1 kw=522
|eng1 hp=700
|max speed kmh=340
|max speed mph=210
|range km=210
|range miles=130
|ceiling m=4200
|ceiling ft=13800
}}
See also
{{aircontent
|related =
|similar aircraft =
|lists=
|see also=
}}
References
{{commons category|Vertol VZ-2}}
{{Reflist}}
- {{cite book |last= Taylor |first= Michael J. H. |title=Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation |year=1989 |publisher=Studio Editions |location=London |pages=191 }}
- {{cite book |title=World Aircraft Information Files |publisher=Bright Star Publishing|location=London |pages=File 890 Sheet 72 }}
{{Boeing Helicopters model numbers}}
{{Piasecki/Vertol aircraft}}
{{US Army VTOL}}
Category:Single-engined twin-prop tractor aircraft
Category:Turboshaft-powered aircraft