The Pitcairn PA-18 was an autogyro produced in the United States in the early 1930s.^[1]

In 1931, Pitcairn had produced a lightweight autogyro suitable for the private pilots as the PAA-1.^[2] Experience with this and with other light, low-powered machines convinced Pitcairn that while the concept was good, they presented significant handling problems to inexperienced pilots.^[2] The PA-18 was designed as a machine for the same market, but with a more powerful engine and structural strengthening.^[2] The availability of more power contributed greatly to the aircraft's responsiveness at low speeds.^[2]

According to Frank Kingston Smith Sr. wrote, "Pitcairn's assessment of the market had been correct: within a year and a half more than nineteen PA-18s were produced and sold, vindicating his decision to proceed with the basic machine while experimenting with the direct-control system."^[3]

In 2008, a PA-18 was restored to flying condition by Jack and Kate Tiffany of New Carlisle, Ohio.^[4] At the same time, a second PA-18 was under restoration by the Posey Brothers firm at the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport.^[5] Most other PA-18s were purchased by the United States government in 1940 and sold on to the United Kingdom.^[4] They never arrived, however, since the ship carrying them was sunk by a German submarine.^[4]

Data from "Pitcairn, A G A, Pitcairn-Cierva, Pitcairn-Larsen"

General characteristics

• Crew: One pilot
• Capacity: 1 passenger
• Length: 19 ft 5 in (5.92 m)
• Wingspan: 21 ft 3 in (6.48 m)
• Powerplant: 1 × Kinner R-5 , 160 hp (120 kW)
• Main rotor diameter: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
• Main rotor area: 1,260 sq ft (117 m²)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 95 mph (150 km/h, 83 kn)
• Range: 225 mi (362 km, 196 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,658 m)

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Buhl A-1 Autogyro
• Cierva C.19
• Pitcairn PCA-2