Airplanes 1950-1959

The Avrocar VZ-9

Origin: The Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar was a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft developed by Avro Aircraft Ltd. (Canada) as part of a secret U.S. military projects carried out in the early years of the Cold War on November 12, 1959. The Avrocar was the ultimate result of a series of blue skies research projects by designer "Jack" Frost, who had joined Avro Canada in June 1947.

The Avrocar VZ-9 Blueprint

Purpose:  The Avrocar intended to exploit the Coandă effect to provide lift and thrust from a single "turborotor" blowing exhaust out the rim of the disk-shaped aircraft to provide anticipated VTOL-like performance. In the air, it would have resembled a flying saucer.Originally designed as a fighter-like aircraft which was capable of high speeds and altitudes. It was mainly used for secret US military projects and mission, and people at the time had no idea it excisted.

Value: This aircraft was significant for its time, because it was the first time an aircraft had been developed in a shape of a disk and was capable of vertical take off and landing. It was also important because it was one of the first aircraft that was hidden from the public.

Limitations: When flown without tethers, the Avrocar was unstable and could reach top speed of only 35 mph. The engines created excessive heat and noise which ruined the element of surprise on the government missions. After funding of this aircraft ran out, the project was cancelled in 1961.



Source:
1. http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10856
2. http://news.uk.msn.com/in-pictures/planes-from-the-1950s#image=7