In 1931, Pitcairn had produced a lightweight autogyro suitable for the private pilots as the PAA-1.[2] Experience with this and with other light, low-powered machines convinced Pitcairn that while the concept was good, they presented significant handling problems to inexperienced pilots.[2] The PA-18 was designed as a machine for the same market, but with a more powerful engine and structural strengthening.[2] The availability of more power contributed greatly to the aircraft's responsiveness at low speeds.[2]
According to Frank Kingston Smith Sr. wrote, "Pitcairn's assessment of the market had been correct: within a year and a half more than nineteen PA-18s were produced and sold, vindicating his decision to proceed with the basic machine while experimenting with the direct-control system."[3]
Pitcairn PA-18 after successful flight at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport, New Carlisle, OH, April 17, 2009.
In 2008, a PA-18 was restored to flying condition by Jack and Kate Tiffany of New Carlisle, Ohio.[4] At the same time, a second PA-18 was under restoration by the Posey Brothers firm at the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport.[5] Most other PA-18s were purchased by the United States government in 1940 and sold on to the United Kingdom.[4] They never arrived, however, since the ship carrying them was sunk by a German submarine.[4]
Specifications (PA-18)edit
Data from "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen"
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pitcairn PA-18.
Bibliography
Erardi, John (7 November 2008). "Ohio man finds, fixes up unique aircraft". The Repository. Retrieved 2009-01-16.[dead link]
"Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen". Aerofiles. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
"Pitcairn PA 18 Autogiro". Posey Brothers Inc website. Retrieved 2016-12-18.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing.
Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. ISBN0-7106-0710-5.
External linksedit
Video: Flying a restored PA-18
January 01, 1970
pitcairn, autogyro, produced, united, states, early, 1930s, flight, andy, barnhart, memorial, airport, carlisle, april, 2009, role, sport, autogyro, national, origin, united, states, manufacturer, pitcairn, aircraft, company, first, flight, 1932, number, built. The Pitcairn PA 18 was an autogyro produced in the United States in the early 1930s 1 PA 18 Pitcairn PA 18 in flight at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport New Carlisle OH April 17 2009 Role Sport autogyro National origin United States Manufacturer Pitcairn Aircraft Company First flight 1932 Number built ca 20 Contents 1 History 2 Specifications PA 18 3 See also 4 References 5 External linksHistory editIn 1931 Pitcairn had produced a lightweight autogyro suitable for the private pilots as the PAA 1 2 Experience with this and with other light low powered machines convinced Pitcairn that while the concept was good they presented significant handling problems to inexperienced pilots 2 The PA 18 was designed as a machine for the same market but with a more powerful engine and structural strengthening 2 The availability of more power contributed greatly to the aircraft s responsiveness at low speeds 2 According to Frank Kingston Smith Sr wrote Pitcairn s assessment of the market had been correct within a year and a half more than nineteen PA 18s were produced and sold vindicating his decision to proceed with the basic machine while experimenting with the direct control system 3 nbsp Pitcairn PA 18 after successful flight at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport New Carlisle OH April 17 2009 In 2008 a PA 18 was restored to flying condition by Jack and Kate Tiffany of New Carlisle Ohio 4 At the same time a second PA 18 was under restoration by the Posey Brothers firm at the Trenton Robbinsville Airport 5 Most other PA 18s were purchased by the United States government in 1940 and sold on to the United Kingdom 4 They never arrived however since the ship carrying them was sunk by a German submarine 4 Specifications PA 18 editData from Pitcairn A G A Pitcairn Cierva Pitcairn Larsen General characteristicsCrew One pilot Capacity 1 passenger Length 19 ft 5 in 5 92 m Wingspan 21 ft 3 in 6 48 m Powerplant 1 Kinner R 5 160 hp 120 kW Main rotor diameter 40 ft 0 in 12 19 m Main rotor area 1 260 sq ft 117 m2 Performance Maximum speed 95 mph 150 km h 83 kn Range 225 mi 362 km 196 nmi Service ceiling 12 000 ft 3 658 m See also editAircraft of comparable role configuration and era Buhl A 1 Autogyro Cierva C 19 Pitcairn PCA 2References editNotes Taylor 1989 p 735 a b c d The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft p 2739 Smith Frank 1981 Legacy of Wings The Harold F Pitcairn Story New York Jason Aronson Inc p 205 ISBN 0876684851 a b c Erardi 2008 Pitcairn PA 18 Autogiro nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pitcairn PA 18 Bibliography Erardi John 7 November 2008 Ohio man finds fixes up unique aircraft The Repository Retrieved 2009 01 16 dead link Pitcairn A G A Pitcairn Cierva Pitcairn Larsen Aerofiles Retrieved 2009 01 15 Pitcairn PA 18 Autogiro Posey Brothers Inc website Retrieved 2016 12 18 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft London Aerospace Publishing Taylor Michael J H 1989 Jane s Encyclopedia of Aviation London Studio Editions ISBN 0 7106 0710 5 External links editVideo Flying a restored PA 18 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Pitcairn PA 18 amp oldid 1018750211, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
