As part of a NASA STTR contract, Carter did some preliminary design work on a 2-place Personal Air Vehicle (We have since come up with a new design for a 2-Place PAV). With a 200 HP engine, it would have a top speed of 235 mph and be able to fly at 25,000 ft (it would be possible to install a more powerful engine). The front cowling slides forward, making it very easy to enter or exit the aircraft. It can also slide off, making for easier access to repair the aircraft. The glass instrument panel is easily removed with one electrical plug and one Pitot tube plug, and the radios are located remotely. The seats are easily removed, allowing a full size litter/wounded soldier to be carried - note the clearance/baggage compartment under the engine. Independent of the contract, we developed a method for automatically controlling rotor collective pitch by purely mechanical means, independent of any electronics. The system can hold the proper pitch vs. rpm from jump takeoff, through high speed cruise, through landing, reducing pilot workload, and keeping the pilot from making any mistakes related to collective pitch.

• Images of 2-Place PAV
• Animations of 2-Place PAV
• Performance Spreadsheet - 200 HP