Avro Canada Vz-9av Avrocar: The Flying Saucer Of 1950s

The Avro Canada Vz-9av Avrocar, a flying saucer-like aircraft that captured the imagination of the world in the 1950s, remains one of the most fascinating and mysterious aviation projects of the 20th century. Developed by Avro Canada, a leading Canadian aircraft manufacturer, the Avrocar was a radical experiment in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology, designed to revolutionize military aviation.

The Avrocar project began in the late 1940s, as the Canadian military sought to develop a new generation of VTOL aircraft that could operate in a variety of environments, from rugged terrain to urban areas. Avro Canada's design team, led by the brilliant and innovative engineer Jack Clark, responded with a radical proposal: a flying saucer-like aircraft that used a rotor to generate lift and propulsion.

Design and Development

The Avrocar's design was unlike anything seen before. Its saucer-like shape was designed to provide maximum stability and control during VTOL operations, while its rotor, powered by a turbojet engine, generated both lift and propulsion. The aircraft's sleek, curved body was made of lightweight aluminum, with a diameter of approximately 24 feet (7.3 meters).

The Avrocar's rotor was its most innovative feature. Comprising 24 blades, each with a unique curved shape, the rotor was designed to generate lift and propulsion simultaneously. During takeoff and landing, the rotor would tilt upward, creating a cushion of air that allowed the aircraft to hover. Once airborne, the rotor would tilt forward, generating thrust and propelling the aircraft forward.

Technical Specifications

Length: 24 feet 1 inch (7.3 meters)
Diameter: 24 feet 1 inch (7.3 meters)
Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters)
Empty weight: 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms)
Gross weight: 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms)
Powerplant: 1 x Continental J69-T-25 turbojet engine, 1,000 pounds-force (4.45 kilonewtons) thrust
Rotor: 24 blades, 12 feet 6 inches (3.8 meters) diameter
Maximum speed: 250 knots (463 kilometers per hour)
Range: 250 miles (402 kilometers)
Service ceiling: 10,000 feet (3,048 meters)

Testing and Evaluation

The Avrocar made its first flight on November 12, 1959, at the Avro Canada facility in Malton, Ontario. The initial test flights were promising, with the aircraft demonstrating stable and controlled flight. However, as testing continued, a series of technical issues and accidents raised concerns about the Avrocar's safety and practicality.

Despite these challenges, the Avrocar project continued, with the Canadian military investing significant resources in the development of this innovative aircraft. However, in 1961, the project was canceled due to a combination of technical and financial issues.

Legacy and Impact

Although the Avrocar never entered production or service, its innovative design and technology had a lasting impact on the development of VTOL aircraft. The Avrocar's rotor design, in particular, influenced the development of modern VTOL aircraft, such as the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey.

The Avrocar also captured the imagination of the public, inspiring a generation of science fiction writers, artists, and filmmakers. Its futuristic design and concept have become an iconic representation of the possibilities of aviation and space exploration.

Conclusion

The Avro Canada Vz-9av Avrocar, a flying saucer-like aircraft that defied conventional aviation design, remains one of the most fascinating and enigmatic projects of the 20th century. Its innovative design and technology, although ultimately unsuccessful, had a lasting impact on the development of VTOL aircraft. As we continue to explore the possibilities of aviation and space exploration, the Avrocar serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and innovation.