Pitcairn PA-18
| PA-18 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pitcairn PA-18 in flight at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport, New Carlisle OH, April 17, 2009. | |
| Role | Sport autogyro |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Pitcairn Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 1932 |
| Number built | ca 20 |
|
| |
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]
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)
See also
- Related development
Cierva Autogiro Company ; Buhl Aircraft Company ; Pitcairn Aircraft Company
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Cierva C.19 ; Buhl A-1 Autogyro ; Pitcairn PCA-2
References
- Notes
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pitcairn aircraft. |
- 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. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008. 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.