The Real Flying Saucer
Real Engineering・10 minutes read
Avro Aircraft Limited in Malton, Ontario, researched disk flight starting in 1952 for vertical takeoff aircraft using peripheral jets, leading to the Avrocar in the 1960s aiming for supersonic jet capabilities. The Avrocar faced aerodynamic instability issues, prompting modifications for stability, but ultimately abandoned in favor of modern aircraft like the F-35 with advanced computer control.
Insights
- Avro Aircraft Limited researched disk flight in the 1950s, creating the Avrocar in the 1960s with a unique design featuring Koanda and ground effects, turbojet engines for lift and propulsion, but faced aerodynamic instability, inspiring modern aircraft like the F-35.
- Despite efforts to stabilize the Avrocar with gyroscopic action and a gimbal system, the design remained inherently unstable, leading to modifications in 1961 with added wings and tail for stability, but the project was eventually abandoned due to similarities with conventional aircraft like the Harrier jump jet.
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Recent questions
What was the Avrocar designed to combine?
Helicopter and supersonic jet fighter capabilities
What challenges did the Avrocar face during testing?
Aerodynamic instability termed "hubcapping"
What modifications were made to the Avrocar in 1961?
Introduced a wing and tail for lateral and pitch stability
What design elements were integrated by John Frost in the Avrocar?
Koanda effect and ground effect
What is the legacy of the Avrocar in modern aircraft development?
Aspects of its design are seen in the F-35 today
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Summary
00:00
Avrocar: Unstable Prototype, Influential Design, Future Potential
- Avro Aircraft Limited in Malton, Ontario, conducted research on disk flight starting in 1952, focusing on circular platform vertical takeoff aircraft using peripheral jets for propulsion.
- The Avrocar, developed in the 1960s, aimed to combine helicopter and supersonic jet fighter capabilities, originating from Project 1794 with a goal of vertical takeoff at three times the speed of sound.
- John Frost, the design engineer, integrated the Koanda effect and ground effect in the Avrocar's design, utilizing a novel engine layout with radial turbojet engines for lift and propulsion.
- The Avrocar prototypes featured three turbojet engines mounted tangentially, relying on ground effect for lift-off, but faced issues with aerodynamic instability termed "hubcapping."
- Attempts to stabilize the Avrocar included gyroscopic action from the turbofan and a gimbal system to correct tilting, but the aircraft remained inherently unstable and difficult to control.
- Modifications in 1961 introduced a wing and tail for lateral and pitch stability, relocating the cockpit, but the design was abandoned as it resembled conventional aircraft like the Harrier jump jet.
- Aspects of the Avrocar's design are seen in the F-35 today, with advanced computer control mitigating instability issues, showcasing the potential for futuristic aircraft development.
