Specifications |
|
| Length: | 11' 5" |
| Height: | 8' |
| Rotor Diameter: | 17' |
| Empty Weight: | 430 lbs. |
| Gross Weight: | 670 lbs. |
| Cruise Speed: | 62 mph |
| Maximum Speed: | 68 mph |
| Range: | 60 mi. |
| Service Ceiling: | 6,500' |
| Powerplant: | Porsche YO-95-2 |
| Year: | 1960 |
| Serial No.: | 4005 |
| Location: | Civil Hangar |
Gyrodyne, under contract from the U.S. Navy, produced a simple ultra-light, one-man co-axial (counter-rotating) rotor portable helicopter known as the XRON-1 "Rotorcycle." It was also selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for evaluation as a reconnaissance and one-man assault helicopter.
An unusual feature of the XRON was the use of small rotortip-mounted drag brakes as an approach to the directional control and stability of coaxial rotor helicopters. The brakes turned the fuselage by unbalancing the torques of the counter-rotating rotors. The XRON was also designed to be flown by personnel with a minimum amount of training and it was extremely maneuverable.
The Navy then awarded Gyrodyne a contract to pursue modifications necessary to drone the XRON. This led to the development of the QH-50 "DASH" drone, of which the museum has an example.
The Museum's XRON-1 is one of only a handful of examples that are known to exist.
Please contact if you have any information or comments on the Gyrodyne QH-50C.
