Pitcairn PAA-1

The Pitcairn PAA-1 was an autogyro developed in the United States in the early 1930s.[1] Of similar configuration to Pitcairn's earlier machines, the PAA-1 had an airplane-like fuselage with two open cockpits in tandem and a tractor-mounted engine in the nose.[2] It was also equipped with small wings, which carried control surfaces, rather than using the rotor for flight control.[2] It was a smaller and lighter machine than its predecessors and was designed specifically with private pilots in mind.[1][2]

PAA-1
This Pitcairn PAA-1 autogiro was flown at Langley for the NACA investigation of an experimental cantilevered three-bladed rotor. June 1943.
Role Sport autogyro
National origin United States
Manufacturer Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro Company
First flight 1931
Number built 25

Variants
  • PAA-1 - main production version with Kinner B-5 engine[2]
  • PA-20 - improved version with Kinner R-5 engine[2]
  • PA-24 - version with twin tails and Kinner R-5 engine, modified from existing PAA-1s and PA-20s[2]


Specifications

Data from "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen"

General characteristics

  • Crew: One pilot
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Length: 18 ft 7 in (5.66 m)
  • Wingspan: 22 ft 9 in (6.93 m)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Kinner B-5 , 125 hp (93 kW)
  • Main rotor diameter: 37 ft 0 in (11.28 m)
  • Main rotor area: 10.75 sq ft (99.9 m2)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 90 mph (140 km/h, 78 kn)
  • Range: 250 mi (400 km, 220 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)

References
Notes
  1. Taylor 1989, p.734
  2. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft, p.2739
Bibliography
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing.
  • "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen". Aerofiles. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
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