| onlycafe |
07-14-2009 07:13 PM |
THE GYRODYNE MODEL GCA-55
The Gyrodyne Model 55 in a single-seat ground cushion vehicle of the annular jet type, powered by a 72 h.p. Porsche four-cylinder engine. It was developed under a U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics contract and flew for the first time in October, 1959.
The basic fuselage structure of the Model 55 consists of the modified forward portion of an XRON-1 Rotorcycle, including the pilot's seat, control column, rudder pedals and throttle. The pilot's longitudinal, lateral and directional controls are of the conventional helicopter type. The throttle control is located to the left of the pilot in the position of the collective-pitch control in a helicopter. The cyclic stick and the rudder pedals are connected to a series of vanes located in the annular jet exit.
The vehicle's air duct is bell-shaped and is constructed of aluminium spinnings. The engine is located to the rear and drives an axial-flow fan of 1.025 pressure ratio. Beneath the fan the air is ducted to an annular jet in the periphery of the base and to radial slots in the base. The annular jet produces the elevated static pressure underneath the base which provides lift augmentation. The radial jets tend to compartmentize the pressurized air beneath the base of the vehicle and thus provide positive static stability.
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