YG-1

The YG-1 was the first practical rotorcraft procured by the Air Corps. Two Kellet KD.1 civilian autogyros were acquired and were given the designation of YG-1 and YG-1A. Both of these open-cockpit aircraft crashed. Seven additional aircraft (with slight changes) were ordered, and these aircraft were delivered to Wright Field, Ohio, for evaluation in 1938. These seven were designated YG-1B. A much-improved version, the XO-60, was ordered in 1942. This version featured a Jacobs R-915-3 of 300 hp, an enclosed, bulged cockpit to allow the crew to look down (along with windows in the floor), taller landing gear to increase the angle of attack on takeoff, and two vertical fins attached to the horizontal stabilizer for better stability and performance. Both of these types could make a near-vertical takeoff (a takeoff roll followed by "jumping" to become airborne). In flight, the rotor blades, which were driven by the engine, were disengaged, and the aircraft's propeller took over. The XO-60s (six of which were later redesignated YO-60) were sent to Florida, Georgia, California, New Mexico, and Wright Field for evaluation. What is believed to be the last XO-60 is now in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D. C.

Contractors:	Kellett Autogiro Corp.
Locations Built:	Philadelphia, Pa.
Number Built: (USAF)	Nine (nine)
First Flight:	1936
First Flight Model:	YG-1
First Flight Location:	Most likely Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, or, possibly, Philadelphia, Pa.
First Flight Pilot:	Unconfirmed
Models/Variants:	YG-1
Powerplant:	One Jacobs R-755-3 nine-cylinder radial of 225 hp.
Wingspan:	40 ft 0 in.
Length:	28 ft 10 in.
Height:	10 ft 3 in.
Weight:	2,250 lb gross
Armament:	None
Accommodation:	Two (pilot and observer in tandem)
Cost:	Unknown
Max. Speed:	125 mph
Range:	360 mi.
Ceiling:	14,000 ft.