Kaman KSA-100
| Kaman KSA-100 | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Gyroplane |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
December 28, 1971 (towing) |
| Number of pieces: |
1 |
The Kaman KSA-100 SAVER was the prototype of a foldable one-person gyrocopter of the US manufacturer Kaman Aerospace Corporation . SAVER was an abbreviation for Stowable Aircrew Vehicle Escape Rotorseat (foldable escape rotor seat ). The device was to be developed as a rescue or emergency exit aid at the request of the US Navy and carried in aircraft in order to be able to leave the combat area quickly after an emergency landing or exit using an ejector seat.
Kaman designed and developed the prototype from 1970; the first untethered flight took place in early 1972. The device was powered by a small jet engine that provided the propulsion. The rotor started to turn due to the air flowing past and thus provided the lift.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 1 |
| Rotor diameter | 4.27 m (flight condition) 1.22 m (stowed) |
| Rotor blade width | 16.5 cm |
| Empty mass | 210 kg |
| Flight mass | 322 kg |
| Range | 92 km |
| Top speed | 185 km / h |
| Engine | a Williams Research WRC-19 turbofan |
| thrust | 1.9 kN |
literature
- John WR Taylor (Ed.): Jane's All The World's Aircraft - 1972-73 , Sampson Low, Marston & Company Ltd., London, 1972, pp. 340 f.