|
|||||||||||||
| In October 1928 contracts for the construction of two 6.5 million cubic feet rigid airships (ZRS-4 Akron and ZRS-5 Macon) were issued by the Navy to the Goodyear Zeppelin Corporation of Akron, Ohio. With these design approvals, the Navy entered into another realm of flight - the use of dirigibles as airborne versions of aircraft carriers that could launch, recover and hangar aircraft while airborne by means of a retractable trapeze extending below the airship to which aircraft could hook-up.
To train aviators as "Skyhook" pilots, the Navy tested the XN2Y-1, a civilian Fleet I tandem-seat trainer with a hook mounted above the wing and made by the Fleet Aircraft Division of Consolidated. Testing proved positive and six N2Y-1s were ordered to serve as trainers for the pilots who would ultimately man Akron and Macon operational F9C "Sparrowhawk" aircraft. An N2Y-l had also been converted to the XOZ-1 gyroplane to participate in experimental rotary wing flight by installing a new engine and a rotary wing with cyclic control. Included in its flight demonstration was a water take-off. SPECIFICATIONS: Type: Sky-hook trainer Crew: Two Power Plant: One 115 hp Kinner K?5 Dimensions: Span 28'; length 21' 5 Weight: 1,637 lbs gross Speed: 108 mph |
|
|
| Bibliography: National Museum of the USAF |