Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar
Avro Canada · Canada · first flew 1959 · fighter
The Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar was a circular disc-shaped VTOL experimental aircraft developed secretly for the US military, initially conceived as a supersonic fighter but proving to be a slow and unstable hovercraft substitute. Its maximum speed of 483 km/h was an aspirational design figure; actual flight testing achieved only around 56 km/h.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.49 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Circular saucer-shaped VTOL aircraft
- Hovered on ground-effect air cushion
- Classified US Army/USAF project
Unmistakable as a circular flat disc approximately 5.5 m in diameter with a central exhaust vent; unlike any other aircraft in aviation history.
Specifications
- The Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar has a length of 5.49 m (18 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 5.49 m (18 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Funded by the US Army and USAF, the Avrocar first flew in 1959 but never exceeded a few feet of altitude, hovering on a ground-cushion effect from its central turbine. The program was cancelled in 1961 after testing revealed fundamental stability and performance limitations.
Variants
Two prototypes were built; there were no production variants.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; both prototypes survive in museums in the United States.
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