| Chrysler VZ-6 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | VTOL experimental platform |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler |
| First flight | 1959 |
| Number built | 2 |
The Chrysler VZ-6 was an American VTOL ducted-fan test vehicle designed and built by Chrysler for the United States Army Flying Jeep competition. [1] [2]
Ordered in 1958, two VZ-6s were built. It was a rectangular-shaped vehicle with two three-bladed propellers inset at the front and back. [2] The 500 hp Lycoming engine was located in the center driving the ducted fan propellers. [2] It was also fitted with rubber skirts around the bottom edge of the vehicle similar to a hovercraft. [2]
The VZ-6 started tethered flight tests in 1959, but these showed that the vehicle was overweight and underpowered with stability problems. [2] An attempt at a non-tethered flight resulted in the VZ-6 flipping over, writing off the vehicle, but the pilot escaped without any serious injuries. [2] Both VZ-6s were scrapped in 1960. [2]
Data from [2]
General characteristics
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