| Gazda Helicospeeder | |
|---|---|
| The Model 100 preserved at the Owls Head Transportation Museum near Rockland, Maine in 2005 | |
| Role | rotorcraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Helicopter Engineering & Construction Co |
| Designer | Antoine Gazda |
| First flight | 1946 |
| Status | one example is preserved |
| Primary user | constructor |
| Produced | 1946-1947 |
| Number built | 2 |
| Unit cost | USD 5000 |
The Gazda Helicospeeder was an American-built single-seat single-rotor helicopter of the 1940s.
Contents |
The Helicospeeder was designed by Antoine Gazda of Wakefield, Rhode Island in 1946. It was specified to carry one person and publicity releases claimed an ultimate goal of a 300 mph (483 km/h) maximum airspeed. One example of the initial version was completed.[1]
The Model 100 Helicospeeder was developed in 1947, again with a single seat. It was of all-aluminium construction and was powered by a Continental A-75 engine. One example was completed.[2]
The designer/constructor carried out test flights and a more modest actual speed of 100 mph (161 km/h) was reached. Production examples were expected to sell for 5000 US Dollars, but no firm sales were made.[3] The Model 100 Helicospeeder is preserved on public display in the Owls Head Transportation Museum at Knox County Regional Airport which is located two miles south of Rockland, Maine.[4]
Antoine Gazda planned to build the Model 101, which was intended to accommodate two persons, but no record of its completion has been found.[5]
Data from Aerofiles
General characteristics
Performance
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