Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar
Image source: airliners.net
Doesn’t this look like the stereotypical UFO? Is it surprising that the United States military shrouded this project in secrecy? This wasn’t an alien UFO, this flying object is identified. Avro Canada developed the Avrocar for their southern neighbours in the early years of the Cold War.
The pilot controlled this vertical take-off and landing aircraft through a side-mounted control stick. The Air Force tested the Avrocar’s flying ability in 1959. The nozzle system proved ineffective. Developers redesigned the aircraft to no avail. The ring under the flap interfered with the engine thrust and minimized power.
The Avrocar project cost $10 million.
Avrocar’s funding expired. Further aircraft adaptations stopped. The United States military cancelled the Avrocar in 1961.
Or did they? Maybe that’s what they want us to believe.
No, I’m kidding, it’s retired. The Avrocar visited many museums before finally lodging at the Presidential Aircraft Gallery.