The Chrysler VZ-6 was an American VTOL ducted-fan test vehicle designed and built by Chrysler for the United States Army Flying Jeep competition.[1][2]
Design and development
Ordered in 1958, two VZ-6s were built. It was a rectangular-shaped vehicle with two three-bladed propellers inset at the front and back.[2] The 500 hp Lycoming engine was located in the center driving the ducted fan propellers.[2] It was also fitted with rubber skirts around the bottom edge of the vehicle similar to a hovercraft.[2]
Operational history
The VZ-6 started tethered flight tests in 1959, but these showed that the vehicle was overweight and underpowered with stability problems.[2] An attempt at a non-tethered flight resulted in the VZ-6 flipping over, writing off the vehicle, but the pilot escaped without any serious injuries.[2] Both VZ-6s were scrapped in 1960.[2]