CarterCopter, the Texas-based maker of a proof-of-concept hybrid autogyro and fixed-wing aircraft, is rebuilding and modifying the prototype after it crash-landed on its twelfth flight.
The innovative gyroplane, designed by company president Jay Carter, is designed to take off and land vertically and fly at low speeds like a helicopter, yet cruise at high altitudes up to 45,000ft (13,700m) and speeds up to 350kt (640km/h). Powered by a 220kW (300hp) LS1 Corvette automotive racing engine, the CarterCopter has a 9.7m span, composite wing and boom-mounted tail control surfaces. The boom encloses a single 2.3m diameter bearingless composite pusher propeller that changes pitch dramatically for fast cruise speeds at high altitude.
The five-seat CarterCopter, which first flew in September 1998, had logged more than 15 flight hours when the accident occurred. The cause was attributed to the late use of the collective to slow the aircraft, which had unexpectedly speeded up as it expended stored energy in the rotor.
The flight test programme, partly funded by NASA with the balance provided by private investors, is expected to resume in May. Modifications to the revised machine include a rotor which is 3m larger in diameter, and longer front landing gear to help prevent nose-overs. The aircraft's lower air scoop will also be faired over, the aerodynamic surfaces improved and propeller diameter increased by 5cm.
Source: Flight International
