| PA-18 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pitcairn PA-18 in flight at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport, New Carlisle OH, April 17, 2009. | |
| Role | Sport autogyro |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Pitcairn Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 1932 |
| Number built | ca 20 |
The Pitcairn PA-18 was an autogyro produced in the United States in the early 1930s. [1]
In 1931, Pitcairn had produced a lightweight autogyro suitable for the private pilots as the PAA-1. [2] Experience with this and with other light, low-powered machines convinced Pitcairn that while the concept was good, they presented significant handling problems to inexperienced pilots. [2] The PA-18 was designed as a machine for the same market, but with a more powerful engine and structural strengthening. [2] The availability of more power contributed greatly to the aircraft's responsiveness at low speeds. [2]
According to Frank Kingston Smith Sr. wrote, "Pitcairn's assessment of the market had been correct: within a year and a half more than nineteen PA-18s were produced and sold, vindicating his decision to proceed with the basic machine while experimenting with the direct-control system." [3]
In 2008, a PA-18 was restored to flying condition by Jack and Kate Tiffany of New Carlisle, Ohio. [4] At the same time, a second PA-18 was under restoration by the Posey Brothers firm at the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport. [5] Most other PA-18s were purchased by the United States government in 1940 and sold on to the United Kingdom. [4] They never arrived, however, since the ship carrying them was sunk by a German submarine. [4]
Data from "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen"
General characteristics
Performance
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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