Pitcairn PA-18
| PA-18 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Pitcairn PA-18 in flight at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport, New Carlisle OH, April 17, 2009. | |
| Role | Sport autogyro |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Pitcairn Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 1932 |
| Number built | ca 20 |
The Pitcairn PA-18 was an autogyro produced in the United States in the early 1930s.[1]
History[edit]
In 1931, Pitcairn had produced a lightweight autogyro suitable for the private pilots as the PAA-1.[2] Experience with this and with other light, low-powered machines convinced Pitcairn that while the concept was good, they presented significant handling problems to inexperienced pilots.[2] The PA-18 was designed as a machine for the same market, but with a more powerful engine and structural strengthening.[2] The availability of more power contributed greatly to the aircraft's responsiveness at low speeds.[2]
According to Frank Kingston Smith Sr. wrote, "Pitcairn's assessment of the market had been correct: within a year and a half more than nineteen PA-18s were produced and sold, vindicating his decision to proceed with the basic machine while experimenting with the direct-control system."[3]
In 2008, a PA-18 was restored to flying condition by Jack and Kate Tiffany of New Carlisle, Ohio.[4] At the same time, a second PA-18 was under restoration by the Posey Brothers firm at the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport.[5] Most other PA-18s were purchased by the United States government in 1940 and sold on to the United Kingdom.[4] They never arrived, however, since the ship carrying them was sunk by a German submarine.[4]
Specifications (PA-18)[edit]
Data from "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen"
General characteristics
- Crew: One pilot
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 19 ft 5 in (5.92 m)
- Wingspan: 21 ft 3 in (6.48 m)
- Powerplant: 1 × Kinner R-5 , 160 hp (120 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
- Main rotor area: 1,260 sq ft (117 m2)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 95 mph (150 km/h, 83 kn)
- Range: 225 mi (362 km, 196 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,658 m)
See also[edit]
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References[edit]
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Erardi, John (7 November 2008). "Ohio man finds, fixes up unique aircraft". The Repository. Retrieved 2009-01-16.[dead link]
- "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen". Aerofiles. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
- "Pitcairn PA 18 Autogiro". Posey Brothers Inc website. Retrieved 2016-12-18.
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. ISBN 0-7106-0710-5.