The Gyrodyne GCA-2 was a general-purpose helicopter built by the Gyrodyne Company of America in the late 1940s.

Development

In 1946 the newly formed Gyrodyne Company acquired rights to the Bendix Model J and developed it into the GCA-2 (N74101). The GCA-2 was of all-metal construction, and had a coaxial twin rotor layout, with a five-seat cabin and a rounded fuselage with twin fins. Later on, the GCA-2 was designated GCA-2A Helidyne after being modified with twin 100 hp Continental auxiliary engines mounted externally on strutted outriggers to give additional forward speed, flying on November 30, 1949. A second GCA-2 airframe, the GCA-2C (civil registration N6594K), first flew on April 25, 1952, piloted by Jim Ryan; it could also be used as an ambulance helicopter capable of carrying three litters.[1][2][3]

Specifications (GCA-2C)

Gyrodyne GCA-2C N6594K on display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City, New York

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1952–53[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 5 passengers
  • Height: 14 ft 4 in (4.37 m)
  • Empty weight: 3,600 lb (1,633 kg)
  • Gross weight: 5,400 lb (2,449 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-985-B4 Wasp Junior
  • Main rotor diameter: 2 × 48 ft (15 m)
  • Main rotor area: 3,619 sq ft (336.2 m2)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 110 mph (180 km/h, 96 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 89 mph (143 km/h, 77 kn)
  • Combat range: 270 mi (430 km, 230 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 7,000 ft (2,100 m) (vertical flight)
  • Rate of climb: 1,460 ft/min (7.4 m/s)

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gyrodyne GCA-2.
  1. ↑ "Gyrodyne GCA-2 helicopter - development history, photos, technical data".
  2. ↑ "Gyrodyne GCA-2C helicopter - development history, photos, technical data".
  3. ↑ R.Simpson "Airlife's Helicopter and Rotorcraft", 1998
  4. ↑ Bridgman 1952, p. 214
  • Bridgman, Leonard (1952). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1952–53. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd.
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