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by | Mar 16, 2018 | Hosta

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The Pitcairn PA-18 was an autogyro produced in the United States in the early 1930s.[1]

History

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]

Pitcairn PA-18 after successful flight at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport, New Carlisle, OH, April 17, 2009.

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]


Specifications (PA-18)

Data from "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen"

General characteristics

  • Crew: One pilot
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Length: 19 ft 5 in (5.92 m)
  • Wingspan: 21 ft 3 in (6.48 m)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Kinner R-5 , 160 hp (120 kW)
  • Main rotor diameter: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
  • Main rotor area: 1,260 sq ft (117 m2)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 95 mph (150 km/h, 83 kn)
  • Range: 225 mi (362 km, 196 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,658 m)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

Notes
  1. ^ Taylor 1989, p.735
  2. ^ a b c d The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft, p.2739
  3. ^ Smith, Frank (1981). Legacy of Wings; The Harold F. Pitcairn Story. New York: Jason Aronson, Inc. p. 205. ISBN 0876684851.
  4. ^ a b c Erardi 2008
  5. ^ "Pitcairn PA 18 Autogiro"
Bibliography

External links

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