The Chrysler VZ-6 was an American

VTOL A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is one that can takeoff and landing, take off and land vertically without relying on a runway. This classification can include a variety of types of aircraft including helicopters as well as thrust- ...

ducted-fan test vehicle designed and built by

Chrysler FCA US, LLC, Trade name, doing business as Stellantis North America and known historically as Chrysler ( ), is one of the "Big Three (automobile manufacturers), Big Three" automobile manufacturers in the United States, headquartered in Auburn H ...

for the United States Army ''Flying Jeep'' competition.

Design and development

Ordered in 1958, two VZ-6s were built. It was a rectangular-shaped vehicle with two three-bladed propellers inset at the front and back. The 500 hp Lycoming engine was located in the center driving the ducted fan propellers. It was also fitted with rubber skirts around the bottom edge of the vehicle similar to a hovercraft.

Operational history

The VZ-6 started tethered flight tests in 1959, but these showed that the vehicle was overweight and underpowered with stability problems. An attempt at a non-tethered flight resulted in the VZ-6 flipping over, writing off the vehicle, but the pilot escaped without any serious injuries. Both VZ-6s were scrapped in 1960.

Specifications

References

Notes

{{US Army VTOL VZ-6 1950s United States experimental aircraft Ducted fan-powered aircraft Mid-engined aircraft VTOL aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1959

Design and development

Operational history

Specifications

See also

References

Notes