Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piasecki_VZ-8_Airgeep

The Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep (company designation PA-59) was a prototype vertical
takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft developed by Piasecki Aircraft. The Airgeep
was developed to fulfill a U.S. Army Transportation Research Command contract
for a flying jeep in 1957. The flying jeep was envisioned to be smaller and
easier to fly than a helicopter.

To meet the US Army's requirement, Piasecki's design featured two tandem,
three-blade ducted rotors, with the crew of two seated between the two rotors.
Power was by two 425 hp (316.9 kW) Lycoming O-360-A2A piston engines, driving
the rotors by a central gearbox. The first of two aircraft ordered by the Army,
initially designated the Model 59K Skycar (and later renamed Airgeep) by
Piasecki and designated VZ-8P by the Army, flew on 22 September 1958.

Role
Experimental rotorcraft

Manufacturer
Piasecki Aircraft

First flight
early 1959

Primary user
United States Army

It was re-engined with a single 425 hp (317 kW) Turbomeca Artouste IIB
turboshaft replacing the two piston engines, flying in this form in June 1959.
After being loaned to the U.S. Navy for evaluation as the Model 59N where it was
fitted with floats, it was returned to the Army and its engine replaced by a
lighter and more powerful 550 hp (410.1 kW) Garrett AiResearch TPE331-6 engine.

The second prototype was completed to a modified design, designated Model 59H
AirGeep II by Piasecki and VZ-8P (B) It was powered by two Artouste engines,
with ejection seats for the pilot and co-pilot/gunner and a further three seats
for passengers. It was also fitted with a powered tricycle undercarriage to
increase mobility on land.

The AirGeep IIs first flight occurred on 15 February 1962 piloted by "Tommy"
Atkins.

While the Airgeep would normally operate close to the ground, it was capable of
flying to several thousand feet, proving to be stable in flight. Flying low
allowed it to evade detection by radar. Despite these qualities, and its
superiority over the other two types evaluated by the US Army to meet the same
requirement (the Chrysler VZ-6 and the Curtiss-Wright VZ-7), the Army decided
that the "Flying Jeep concept [was] unsuitable for the modern battlefield", and
concentrated on the development of conventional helicopters.

Variants

Model 59K SkycarCompany designation for the first aircraft powered by two 180 hp
(134.2 kW)) Lycoming O-360-A2A piston engines, given the military designation
VZ-8P Airgeep. Later, the piston engines were replaced by a single 425 hp (316.9
kW)) Turbomeca Artouste IIB turboshaft engine.

Model 59N SeaGeep I The first aircraft, (after the piston engines were replaced
by a single Artouste), whilst on loan to the United States Navy, fitted with
floats.

PA-59H AirGeep II The second aircraft, military designation VZ-8P (B), completed
with two 400 hp (298.3 kW)) Turbomeca Artouste IIC turboshaft engines and seats
for up to five, including the crew.

VZ-8P Airgeep I The military designation of the first aircraft as delivered

VZ-8P-1 Airgeep I The first aircraft after the piston engines were replaced by a
single 425 hp (316.9 kW) Turbomeca Artouste IIB.

VZ-8P-2 Airgeep I The first aircraft after the Artouste engine was replaced by a
lighter and more powerful 550 hp (410.1 kW)) Garrett AiResearch TPE331-6 engine.

VZ-8P (B) Airgeep II The military designation of the second aircraft

Specifications (VZ-8P (B))

General characteristics
Crew: two (pilot and co-pilot/gunner)
Capacity: up to three passengers
Length: 24 ft 5 in (7.45 m)
Width: 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Empty weight: 2,611 lb (1,184 kg)
Gross weight: 3,670 lb (1,665 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 4,800 lb (2,177 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Artouste IIC turbo-shaft engines, 550 hp (410 kW) each
Main rotor diameter: 2× 8 ft 2 in (2.5 m)

Performance
Maximum speed: 73 kn; 85 mph (136 km/h)
Cruise speed: 60 kn; 70 mph (112 km/h)
Range: 30 nmi; 35 mi (56 km)
Service ceiling: 2,999 ft (914 m)

Armament

Guns: Provision for one recoilless rifle - not fitted



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