| VZ-7 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | VTOL utility aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Curtiss-Wright |
| First flight | 1958 ? |
| Retired | 1960 |
| Status | Canceled |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 2 |
The Curtiss-Wright VZ-7 (also known as the VZ-7AP [1] ) was a VTOL quadrotor helicopter aircraft designed by the Curtiss-Wright company for the US Army. Like the Chrysler VZ-6 and the VZ-8 Airgeep it was to be a "flying jeep".
The Aerophysics Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Curtiss-Wright, designed an "Aerial Platform" for a US Army Transport and Research Command "Flying Jeep" design competition. The Aerophysics design sat two in tandem between four ducted fan rotors and could also be armed with machine-guns or recoil-less rifles. [2]
To prove the design concept the US Army ordered two prototypes of a smaller single-seat demonstrator, the VZ-7, which were delivered to the US Army in mid-1958. The VZ-7 had a fuselage with the pilot's seat, fuel tanks and flight controls. On both sides of the fuselage the four propeller/rotors were attached, unshrouded (the aircraft did originally have shrouds, but these were later removed). The VZ-7 was controlled by changing the thrust of each propeller and was maneuverable and easy to fly.[ citation needed ]
The aircraft performed well during tests but, not being able to meet the Army's standards, was retired and returned to the manufacturer in 1960.
One VZ-7 is part of the United States Army Aviation Museum aircraft collection at Fort Novosel. However, it is not currently on public display due to space restrictions. [3] [4]
Data from Flying Jeeps [5]
General characteristics
Performance
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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