In the mid-1950s, de Lackner privately developed a rotorcraft called the DH-4 Helivector, later renamed the HZ-1 Aerocycle, which looked like a cross between a helicopter, an outboard motor, and a motorcycle.
The aircraft HZ-1 was equipped with a 40 hp engine. with., which was mated with two coaxially located screws. The propellers with a diameter of 4.6 meters rotated in opposite directions, which made it possible to avoid rotation of the platform itself, on which the pilot stood. At the same time, the pilot was positioned vertically directly above the rotating propeller blades (representing, among other things, a mortal danger), being protected from falling only by seat belts. To control the device, a steering wheel similar to a motorcycle was provided. With its help, the pilot had to change the speed, direction and altitude of the HZ-1. In order to make a turn, it was necessary to tilt the entire aircraft in the right direction - just as it is done on a motorcycle.
The first sample of the HZ-1 aircraft took to the skies in January 1955, after which the army immediately ordered a dozen samples. According to De Lackner specialists, their aircraft could reach speeds of up to 105 km / h and carry 55 kg of payload in addition to the pilot. The device could be in the air for an hour. At the same time, the De Lackner HZ-1 was a very dangerous mechanism. In addition to the fact that the pilot was standing directly above the rotating propellers, they were also located in the lower part of the apparatus. When landing or flying at low altitude, they could easily suck in any debris or pieces of rock, which could cause the device to crash.
General info for HZ-1 Aerocycle
Crew: 1 (pilot)
Height, m: 2.1;
Promotional video:
Empty weight, kg: 78;
Lifting weight, kg: 206;
Powerplant: 1 x 40 hp Mercury Marine 20H outboard motor. from. (30 kW);
Fuel tank volume, l: 3.8;
Main rotor diameter, m: 2 x 4.6;
Maximum speed, km / h: 121;
Cruising speed, km / h: 89;
Flight range, km: 24;
Flight time, min: 45;
Practical ceiling, m: 1.524
It was assumed that the US military will be able to effectively use this flying platform only after a briefing of 20 minutes. But test pilot Selmer Sandbye, who tested the HZ-1, had a different opinion. In particular, he noted: "It took me only one flight to understand: it will be damn difficult for an ordinary person to cope with this structure." And the reliability of the flying platform at that time left much to be desired.
During the tests, the blades of different propellers collided with each other twice, which each time led to the fall of the apparatus. One such aerial incident almost ended with the death of Selmer Sandby himself. In the end, all the identified shortcomings led to the closure of this program.
At least one such flying platform has survived to this day and is exhibited as a museum piece.
But there is movement in this direction in our days. Look at this option: