Note that the description given in the actual auction is not accurate.
HUGHES PROTOTYPE MODEL XV-9A HOT CYCLE HELICOPTER
From estate of late military helicopter test pilot and holder of Sikorsky built helicopter speed record comes this unique-one of a kind- sturdy resin model on heavy aircraft grade aluminum plinth, with terrain finish. Please check out enclosed link showing the actual prototype. I believe only one was ever built and it was basically a patchwork piece assembled with parts from other military aircraft. The “Hot Cycle” technology did not pan out and the aircraft was never put into production. This model purchased from test pilot’s son in Southern California, shows an obviously different design in the rotor and tail structure as well as the placement of the engines. Therefore my one of a kind claim. I will let my pictures do the talking, should you need more………no problem…I will need your email address included with request. The piece will weigh 11 lbs including packaging and will be disassembled for safety in transit. The plinth and arm are the heaviest parts of the unit.
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Note… this is *not* a model of the XV-9. That was a helicopter that actually flew, using the “Hot Cycle” system… turbojet exhaust was ducted through the central into the hollow mast, through the hub, and down ducts through the rotors to nozzles at the tips. This would spin the rotors without the need for a direct mechanical drive, eliminating most of the torque that conventional helicopter drives produce – and thus eliminating the need for a tail rotor. While in development, Hughes engineers had the idea that an advanced application of the Hot Cycle system would be to spin up three-bladed “Y-Wings,” which could, once the vehicle was airborne and moving forward at a good clip, stop their rotation and be fixed in place as wings. This would drastically reduce drag and increase high-speed efficiency. So they drew up a series of “Y-Wing” vehicles… one of which is currently being auctioned on eBay, seen above. Numerous variations on the concept were designed, with varying ratios of “rotor size” to “hub size,” but all were meant to be high-speed aircraft that could take off and land vertically in the manner of a helicopter. Unfortunately, the XV-9 itself, with otherwise normal helicopter rotors, was a fuel hog, as well as loud. The Y-Wing in hover would have burned through fuel like it was throwing it overboard.
6 Responses to “Found on eBay: Hughes Y-Wing “Hot Cycle” VTOL model”
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Thanks for the heads up. As I noted in my description, the sellers story did not add up once I had researched the XV-9 and saw a picture of the prototype.
Lemme see if I understand the “hot-cycle” tip jet;
The two turbojets on the side exhaust through the rotor hub and down the rotors to the tips. Was that all or was more fuel added there?
I’ve seen designs for something similar using a type of “flame-jet” (Avro Project Y type flat turbojet) in the hub with exhausting out the tips how does that compare?
Randy
> Was that all or was more fuel added there?
I do not believe that there was any further “afterburning.”
Thanks.
I had/have (I’m like Smith-&-Edwards {local, rather large military surplus store here} with my paper-work and “files”… “Ya, I got that… If I can find it” :o) a couple of papers, patents and tech stuff on various “tip-jet” schemes for helicopters and I’m to the point of being very confused on what propulsion system does what with what process :o)
Speaking of… What would you (the “internet” you as in anyone else who happens to read this ;o) happen to know about an airfoil shaped ramjet concept that I believe Hiller came up with but never produced. I recall that it was part of their work for the Army/Air Force on the air-droppable, light-weight, “Rescue” helicopter design for downed pilots.
I could be wrong about WHO was working on it, but I recall references to the design in various written articles and histories on the concept. I’ve found a company that’s offering “plans” (http://www.alternative-technologies.org/aircraft.html#4) and will at some point (probably after I manage to get ‘solvent’ after the last move… I’m aiming for sometime before the heat-death of the universe, but that’s just a ‘general’ goal at the moment ;o) probably drop the $20.00 just to see what they have. But specifications and test data, heck anything besides a mention the design exsisted :o)
Randy
[…] Same concept was discussed here before. […]