The Pitcairn PCA-2 was an autogyro developed in the United States in the early 1930s.
It was Harold F. Pitcairn’s first autogyro designed to sell in quantity.
It had a conventional design for its day, an airplane-like fuselage with two open cockpits in tandem, and an engine mounted tractor-fashion in the nose.
The lift by the four-blade main rotor was augmented by stubby, low-set monoplane wings that also carried the control surfaces.
The wingtips featured considerable dihedral that acted as winglets for added stability.
Variants
PA-18
In 1931, Pitcairn had produced a lightweight autogyro suitable for the private pilots as the PAA-1.
Experience with this and with other light, low-powered machines convinced Pitcairn that while the concept was good, they presented significant handling problems to inexperienced pilots.
The PA-18 was designed as a machine for the same market, but with a more powerful engine and structural strengthening.
The availability of more power contributed greatly to the aircraft’s responsiveness at low speeds.
PCA-2
Major production version
PCA-3
Version with Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior engine and 48-ft (14.63-m) rotor (1 built)
PA-21
Version with Wright R-975-E2 engine
XOP-1/OP-1
Reconnaissance autogyro (1931)
Two aircraft acquired by the United States Navy (USN) in 1931 for trials with limited success.
