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Pitcairn-Cierva PCA-2

The first Pitcairn-Cierva autogyro PCA-1 flew in 1929, soon followed by the much improved PCA-2. In April 1931, the PCA-2 became the first rotary-winged aircraft certified for commercial use in the United States. The 24 PCA-2s built for the US Navy, were designated XOP. Fairchild soon imported a PCA-2 as the first rotary-winged aircraft registered in Canada. Interest in autogyros declined due to their high cost, mechanical inefficiency, high fuel consumption, and inferiority to the helicopter.

The autogyro is a rotary-winged aircraft. Unlike the helicopter, the rotor is not powered, but rotate as a result of the forward motion of the aircraft. Consequently the autogyro cannot hover, but instead can climb and descend almost vertically, as well as land and take-off with a very short run. Before take-off in early autogyros, someone on the ground would have to spin the rotor. The pilot then taxied on the ground to rotate the rotor up to take-off speed. The rotor of the PCA-2 could be “pre-spun” by a drive-shaft from the engine. A Canadian PCA-2 made the first loop by a rotary-winged aircraft.

Museum Example

The Museum specimen was manufactured in 1931 and flew in the United States for several private operators until 1948. In 1946 an engine change redesignated the aircraft PA-21. Lent to the Museum by Connecticut Aviation Historical Association in 1967, the aircraft was purchased in 1969. The rotor-head was bought in 1982.

Specifications

Wing Span:
9.1 m (30 ft)
Rotor diameter:
13.7 m (45 ft)
Length:
7 m (23 ft 1 in)
Height:
4 m (13 ft)
Weight, Empty:
920 kg (2,030 lb)
Weight, Gross:
1,360 kg (3,000 lb)
Cruising Speed:
158 km/h (98 mph)
Max Speed:
190 km/h (118 mph)
Rate of Climb:
244 m (800 ft) /min
Service Ceiling:
4,570 m (15,000 ft)
Range:
Unknown
Power Plant:
one Wright R-975-E2 Whirlwind, 420 hp, radial engine

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.