In the middle of the last century, a prototype of an unusual compact aircraft was created in the USA – a single-seat personal helicopter HZ-1 Aerocycle. According to representatives of De Lackner Helicopters, which presented the device, a novice pilot after 20 minutes of training could easily fly an air bike. At the same time, the HZ-1 was supposed to enter service with the US Army and become a reconnaissance vehicle. However, in reality everything turned out to be different. Despite the good prospects, the device turned out to be very difficult to control by untrained soldiers and often got into accidents. The invention was a machine with a platform fixed to a cruciform base, on which the pilot stood, secured with seat belts. A special parachute was also provided, which opened quickly and could be used at speeds up to 80 km/h at low altitude (up to 8 m). However, in this case, he was not very reliable.
Photos of inventions and techniques are very rare, but they can also be found on Violity.
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Photo © www.bygonely.com
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Photo © www.bygonely.com
Photo © www.bygonely.com
Photo © www.bygonely.com
Photo © www.bygonely.com