Vertipedia - Kellett KD-1

Developed in 1934 as the prototype to the US Army YG-1. The aircraft can carry two passengers, including the pilot, in tandem seating. The KD-1 features folding blades.

Overview

Data on design, manufacture and status

Design authority: Kellett Autogiro Corporation

Primary manufacturer: Kellett Autogiro Corporation

Parent type: Kellett KD-1

Aircraft status: No longer flying

Configuration

Primary flight and mechanical characteristics

VTOL type: Gyroplane

Compound type: N/A compounded with 1 propulsors

Lift devices: 1 Single main rotor

Dedicated control device: 1 Rudder

Crew required: 1 in Tandem arrangement

Landing gear: Wheels (non-retractable)

Key Characteristics

Data on key physical features

Aircraft Details

Data on aircraft configuration, weights, flight performance and equipment

Layout and Dimensions

Weights and Performance

Engine Details

Primary Lift Device

Overall Dimensions
Overall Height:
Overall Length:
Overall Width:	12.19 m	40.0 ft

Airframe Dimensions
Airframe Length:	7.87 m	25.8 ft
Airframe Width:	3.15 m	10.3 ft
Airframe Height:	3.12 m	10.2 ft

Landing Gear Dimensions
Landing Gear Base:
Landing Gear Track:

Cabin Dimensions
Cabin Internal Height:
Cabin Internal Length:
Cabin Internal Width:

Cruise Speed: 100 mph (160.934 km/h)

Weights
Max Gross Weight (ground):	930 kg	2,050 lb
Max Gross Weight (airborne):
Max Take-off Weight:	930 kg	2,050 lb
Empty Weight:	610 kg	1,345 lb
Useful Load:	320 kg	705 lb
Empty Weight Fraction:	0.656

Climb Performance
Max Rate of Climb:	5 m/s	1,000 fpm

Hover Performance
Hover Ceiling IGE:
Hover Ceiling OGE:

Limitations
Max Level Flight Speed:	193 km/h	104 kts
Never Exceed Speed:
Service Ceiling:

Range and Endurance
Max Range:	581 km	314 nm
Max Endurance:

Provided powerplant data is for uninstalled, sea level, static operations.

Powerplant
Number of engines:	1
Designation:	Jacobs L4MA-7 reciprocating
Manufacturer:	Jacobs Aircraft and Engine Company

Normal Ratings
Max continuous:
Take-off / rated:	168 kW	225 hp
Intermediate:
Maximum:

OEI Ratings
OEI contingency:
OEI continuous:
OEI 30-second:
OEI intermediate:

Main Rotor Characteristics
Diameter:	12.19 m	40.00 ft
RPM:
Direction of Rotation:	Counterclockwise
Hub Type:

Main Rotor Blade Characteristics
Blade Construction:
Blade Chord:
Blade Tip Geometry:
Blade Twist:
Number of Blades:	3

Main Rotor Derived Characteristics
Disc Area:	116.75 m²	1256.7 ft²
Disc Loading:	7.96 kg/m²	1.631 lb/ft²
Solidity:

Main Rotor Blade Derived Characteristics
Blade area per blade:
Tip Speed:

Tail Rotor Characteristics
Diameter:
Configuration:	Unknown
Direction of Rotation:	Unknown
RPM:

Tail Rotor Blade Characteristics
Number of Blades:
Blade Construction:	N/A
Blade Chord:
Blade Twist:

Tail Rotor Derived Characteristics
Disc Area:
Solidity:

Tail Rotor Blade Derived Characteristics
Tip Speed:
Blade Area (per blade):

References

References and sources used

Autogiro: The Story of the Windmill Plane

Townson, George
Aero Publishers Inc., 1985 (page 12)
Book
Comprehensive reference about the work of the Autogiro Company of America and its licensees in the years 1928-1943

Helicopters & Autogyros of the World

Paul Lambermont, Anthony Pirie
Cassell & Company Ltd., 1959 (page 322)
Book

The History of the Autogiro (Autogiro Data Sheet)

George Townson
AHS Newsletter, 1961, March 1961 (page 12)
Periodical