GOODYEAR GA-400-3 “Gizmo” – N69N
To fill the need for a conventional, lightweight, low cost, one-man helicopter, Goodyear Aircraft designed the Gizmo. The Gizmo could be used for any task that required transportation of one man at speeds to 55 knots.
The ultralight helicopter had conventional controls, wide skid gear, and a proven power plant that made it suitable for both military and civilian operation. Maintenance costs were reduced considerably by the use of rubber belts for power transmission, a simplified control system, and rugged main rotor blades of wood, covered with fiberglass. The airframe of welded aluminum tubing provided unlimited accessibility to all components.
The Gizmo was powered by an outboard marine engine manufactured by Johnson Motors. It was a standard two cylinder, two-cycle, water-cooled, boat engine modified slightly for use in the helicopter and had a long history of reliable service. An electric starter facilitated operation under all conditions.
The GA-400-3 had standard helicopter flight characteristics. It performed all maneuvers required of a helicopter with normal control and stick force gradients. The instrument panel contained altimeter, air speed indicator, coolant temperature, rotor tachometer, bank indicator, and clock. Provisions were made for installation of a small radio.
Pilot checkouts in the Gizmo were easily accomplished. During initial familiarization of the pilot, two people, one on each side of the machine, would stabilize the craft while the pilot lifted off and hovered a few feet above the ground. As soon as the pilot had achieved the proper feel as demonstrated by several simulated take-offs, landings, hovering turns, and slow translations while still under the restraint of ground personnel, he was considered ready to solo. Pilots with very little prior experience, as well as helicopter pilots with considerable experience, checked out in this method with little or no difficulty.
The Gizmo’s simplicity of design assured low initial cost in quantity production and economy of maintenance. The ultralight helicopter was ideal for any one-person task or just for fun. Goodyear Aerospace Corporation donated the Gizmo to EAA in 1966.
Goodyear Gizmo Goodyear Gizmo
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