Engineering:Gyrodyne GCA-2
The Gyrodyne GCA-2 was a general-purpose helicopter built by the Gyrodyne Company of America in the late 1940s.
Development
In 1946 the newly formed Gyrodyne Company acquired rights to the Bendix Model J and developed it into the GCA-2 (N74101). The GCA-2 was of all-metal construction, and had a coaxial twin rotor layout, with a five-seat cabin and a rounded fuselage with twin fins. Later on, the GCA-2 was designated GCA-2A Helidyne after being modified with twin 100 hp Continental auxiliary engines mounted externally on strutted outriggers to give additional forward speed, flying on November 30, 1949. A second GCA-2 airframe, the GCA-2C (civil registration N6594K), first flew on April 25, 1952, piloted by Jim Ryan; it could also be used as an ambulance helicopter capable of carrying three litters.[1][2][3]
Specifications (GCA-2C)
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1952–53[4]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 5 passengers
- Height: 14 ft 4 in (4.37 m)
- Empty weight: 3,600 lb (1,633 kg)
- Gross weight: 5,400 lb (2,449 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-985-B4 Wasp Junior
- Main rotor diameter: 2× 48 ft (15 m)
- Main rotor area: 3,619 sq ft (336.2 m2)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 110 mph (180 km/h, 96 kn)
- Cruise speed: 89 mph (143 km/h, 77 kn)
- Combat range: 270 mi (430 km, 230 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 7,000 ft (2,100 m) (vertical flight)
- Rate of climb: 1,460 ft/min (7.4 m/s)
References
- ↑ "Gyrodyne GCA-2 helicopter - development history, photos, technical data". http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/gyrodyne_gca-2.php.
- ↑ "Gyrodyne GCA-2C helicopter - development history, photos, technical data". http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/gyrodyne_gca-2c.php.
- ↑ R.Simpson "Airlife's Helicopter and Rotorcraft", 1998
- ↑ Bridgman 1952, p. 214
- Bridgman, Leonard (1952). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1952–53. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd..
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