Curtiss-Wright VZ-7
# Curtiss-Wright VZ-7

The Curtiss-Wright VZ-7 (also known as the VZ-7AP) was a VTOL quadrotor helicopter aircraft designed by the Curtiss-Wright company for the US Army. Like the Chrysler VZ-6 and the VZ-8 Airgeep it was to be a "flying jeep".

## Design and development

The Aerophysics Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Curtiss-Wright, designed an "Aerial Platform" for a US Army Transport and Research Command "Flying Jeep" design competition. The Aerophysics design sat two in tandem between four ducted fan rotors and could also be armed with machine-guns or recoil-less rifles.

To prove the design concept the US Army ordered two prototypes of a smaller single-seat demonstrator, the VZ-7, which were delivered to the US Army in mid-1958. The VZ-7 had a fuselage with the pilot's seat, fuel tanks and flight controls. On both sides of the fuselage the four propeller/rotors were attached, unshrouded (the aircraft did originally have shrouds, but these were later removed). The VZ-7 was controlled by changing the thrust of each propeller and was maneuverable and easy to fly.

## Operational history

The aircraft performed well during tests, but was not able to meet the Army's standards, therefore it was retired and returned to the manufacturer in 1960.

One VZ-7 is part of the United States Army Aviation Museum aircraft collection at Fort Rucker. However, it is not currently on public display due to space restrictions.

## Specifications

Data from Flying Jeeps

General characteristics

* Crew: 1
* Length: 17 ft 0 in (5.18 m)
* Width: 16 ft 0 in (4.88 m)
* Height: 9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
* Empty weight: 1,700 lb (771 kg)
* Gross weight: 2,100 lb (953 kg)
* Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Artouste IIB turboshaft engine, 425 shp (317 kW)

Performance

* Maximum speed: 32 mph (51 km/h, 28 kn)
* Cruise speed: 25 mph (40 km/h, 22 kn)
* Service ceiling: 200 ft (61 m)
