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X-25 Gyrocopter
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Photo:
Robert Deering 10/18/2012 National Museum of the USAF Dayton, Ohio |
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Two X-25
aircraft were procured by the USAF in 1968 to test a
method for improving the chances of rescuing crewmen
forced to bail out from their aircraft over enemy
territory. If the flyer had a means of controlling his
descent after parachuting and could select a landing
site, his chances of avoiding capture would be greatly
increased. The unpowered Bensen X-25B "Gyroglider" theoretically could be deployed after the flyer's parachute had opened. Its rotary wings would be brought up to speed during the descent, the parachute would be detached, and the "Gyroglider" would then be flown as an autogiro to a landing point. The X-25A "Gyrocopter" represented a more advanced concept with a limited "fly-away" capability. Unlike the X-25B, which had no engine, the X-25A had a 90 hp engine. Following tests at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, the X-25A was delivered to the museum in 1969. SPECIFICATIONS: Rotor dimension: 20 ft. 6 in. Length: 11ft. 3 in. Height: 6 ft. 3 in. Weight: 547 pounds maximum Armament: None Engine: One McCullough 4318G of 90 hp PERFORMANCE: Max speed: 80 mph Takeoff speed: 25 mph Range: 90 miles Source: National Museum of the United States Air Force |
