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"One-Man Amphibious 'Copter"
De Lackner HZ-1 Aerocycle, also known as the YHO-2 and by the manufacturer's designation DH-4 Heli-Vector.
De Lackner built a flying platform as a possible civil and military transport, but the main idea was as a battlefield transport for Army and Navy personnel. It was seen as a way of flying over trenches, berms, rivers, barriers, locations of blown-up bridges, minefields, etc.
The device[]
Above the rotors it was a small metal foot plate with a waist high tubular metal handrail and metal control shaft, with a small control panel and handle bars on it. A small motor was also on the footplate, beneath the handrail and control shaft. Below the metal foot plate as short metal drive shaft and then the 2 sets of 2 ~7ft long counter rotating rotor-blades. A short way below them is a
The "Basic US GI factor"[]
It was assumed by the US Army that a 19 year old recruit with only basic training must be able to use the kit after a brief chat and couple of demonstrations without killing or seriously injuring himself or others. It was thought to be to complex for such a low level of add-hock, in-field on the spot training as they envisaged.
In addition, the low-mounted rotors had proved to be prone to kicking up small rocks and other debris.
