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Doak VZ-4

15.3k Texasfam04  6.0 years ago

This is my 2nd attempt at building a replica of a aircraft. I tried to keep all the measurements and flight characteristics as close as possible but they may be slightly off. Hope everyone enjoys this aircraft.

WIKI DESCRIPTION

The Doak VZ-4 (or Doak Model 16) was an American prototype Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft built in the 1950s for service in the United States Army. Only a single prototype was built, and the U.S. Army withdrew it from active trials in 1963.

The aircraft, designated the Doak Model 16 by the Doak company and assigned the serial number 56-9642, was originally powered by an 840 shp (630 kW) Lycoming YT53 turboprop engine mounted in the fuselage, later replaced by a 1,000 shp (750 kW) Lycoming T53-L-1 turbine.[5] The engine drove two wingtip-mounted fiberglass tilting ducted fan propellers through a "T" box on the engine that transmitted power to the propellers via a 4-inch (102-mm) aluminum tubular shaft and two smaller shafts. Each propeller was 48-inch (1.22-meter) in diameter and the duct outer diameter was 60-inches (1.52-meter)). The fans were positioned vertically for takeoff and landing – with a rotation speed of 4,800 rpm required for liftoff – and rotated to a horizontal orientation for horizontal flight, the first time this VTOL propulsion concept was tested successfully. The aircraft had metal wings and a metal tail. To save weight, the aircraft originally was constructed of uncovered welded steel tubing, but after it was found that the open frame interfered with forward-speed tests, molded fiberglass was installed over its nose section and thin aluminum sheeting over its aft fuselage. It accommodated a two-person crew, with a pilot and observer seated in tandem in the cockpit. The pilot used a standard stick and rudder to control the aircraft. Its landing gear were taken from a Cessna 182, its seats from a North American P-51 Mustang, and its duct actuators from a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
VTOL UP- Transitions ducted fans forward
VTOL MIDDLE- Allows Hovering
VTOL DOWN- Transitions ducted fans to rear

All other controls are default.

SPECIAL THANKS TO JOHNNYBOYTHEPILOT, GREASYTORTLE AND FREERIDER2142 FOR FLIGHT TESTING AND GENERAL BUILD INPUT

THANK YOU
(-TEX-)

Spotlights

General Characteristics

  • Created On iOS
  • Wingspan 28.2ft (8.6m)
  • Length 35.1ft (10.7m)
  • Height 10.7ft (3.3m)
  • Empty Weight 1,510lbs (685kg)
  • Loaded Weight 4,523lbs (2,051kg)

Performance

  • Power/Weight Ratio 14.903
  • Horse Power/Weight Ratio 0.884
  • Wing Loading 0.7lbs/ft2 (3.6kg/m2)
  • Wing Area 6,196.0ft2 (575.6m2)
  • Drag Points 8312

Parts

  • Number of Parts 168
  • Control Surfaces 9
  • Performance Cost 1,051
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  • Profile image
    21.5k SimpleEric

    @Texasfam04 You're welcome, dude!

    6.0 years ago
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    @Texasfam04
    I think it looks fantastic, insignia or not.

    6.0 years ago
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    15.3k Texasfam04

    TY Eric for the upvote! As always i appreciate it! @SimpleEric

    6.0 years ago
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    15.3k Texasfam04

    @greasytortle
    @Freerider2142

    6.0 years ago
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    15.3k Texasfam04

    TY bud and TY for the help and input during build, your input is invaluable. I decided after many failed attempts to add the insignia to upload as is. I just didnt like the way the insignia fit onto the build. @JohnnyBoythePilot

    +1 6.0 years ago
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    Hey you completed it, nice job!

    +1 6.0 years ago