Pitcairn PA-18

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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]

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.^[3] At the same time, a second PA-18 was under restoration by the Posey Brothers firm at the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport.^[4] Most other PA-18s were purchased by the United States government in 1940 and sold on to the United Kingdom.^[3] They never arrived, however, since the ship carrying them was sunk by a German submarine.^[3]

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)
Main rotor diameter: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
Main rotor area: 1,260 ft² (117 m²)
Powerplant: 1 × Kinner R-5, 160 hp (120 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 95 mph (150 km/h)
Range: 225 miles (362 km)
Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,658 m)

References

Notes

↑ Taylor 1989, p.735
↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft, p.2739
↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Erardi 2008
↑ "Pitcairn PA 18 Autogiro"

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Bibliography

Erardi, John (7 November 2008). "Ohio man finds, fixes up unique aircraft". The Repository. Retrieved 2009-01-16.
"Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen". Aerofiles. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
"Pitcairn PA 18 Autogiro". Posey Brothers Inc website. Retrieved 2009-01-16.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing.
Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. ISBN 0-7106-0710-5.

v t e Aircraft produced by Pitcairn Aircraft and the Autogiro Company of America

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