Kellett KD-1
Kellett Autogiro Corporation · United States · first flew 1934 · light aircraft
The Kellett KD-1 was an American direct-control autogyro developed in the mid-1930s, notable as the first rotor-wing aircraft used for US airmail service. It featured a three-blade folding overhead rotor and dispensed with stub wings on later variants by using direct rotor tilting for roll control.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.79 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Three-blade overhead autogyro rotor with folding blades
- Direct-control rotor — no stub wings on later variants
- Open tandem cockpits with tailwheel undercarriage
Identified by the three-blade folding overhead rotor on a simple pylon above a conventional biplane-style fuselage, a single radial engine at the nose, and fixed tailwheel undercarriage. Later KD-1 variants lack stub wings entirely, relying on direct rotor tilt.
Specifications
- The Kellett KD-1 has a length of 8.79 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.19 m (40 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 201 km/h (125 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 1 passenger.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Kellett Autogiro Corporation developed the KD-1 under a US Army Air Corps contract, producing several variants between 1934 and 1938. The type gained commercial attention when Eastern Air Lines briefly trialled it for Philadelphia city-centre airmail delivery in 1939. A refined two-seat tandem version, the YG-1B, was evaluated by the US Army.
Variants
The KD-1A introduced an enclosed pilot cockpit while retaining an open rear seat; the YG-1 and YG-1B were military evaluation autogyros derived from the same basic design.
Where you'll see it
Used experimentally by the US Army Air Corps and in the brief Eastern Air Lines airmail trial; a handful survived into private hands post-war.
Related aircraft
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