Gazda Helicospeeder

The Gazda Helicospeeder was an American-built single-seat single-rotor helicopter of the 1940s.

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

Development

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]

Operational history

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]

Variants

Antoine Gazda planned to build the Model 101, which was intended to accommodate two persons, but no record of its completion has been found.[4]

Aircraft on display

The Model 100 Helicospeeder is preserved at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, adjacent to the Knox County Regional Airport, two miles south of Rockland, Maine.[5]

Specifications (Model 100)

Data from Aerofiles

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1 pilot
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental A-75 piston, 75 hp (56 kW)
  • Main rotor diameter: 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 kn)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Notes
  1. Aerofiles
  2. Aerofiles
  3. Aerofiles
  4. Aerofiles
  5. Ogden, page 292

References
  • Ogden, Bob (2007). Aviation Museums and Collections of North America. Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-385-4.|
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