Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar: Resembling a Small Flying Saucer, It First Flew in 1959

Jason McDowell

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 02:11 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Avrocar on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in 2010, when it was displayed in a separate annex and illuminated in natural light. [Courtesy: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

Avro Canada diverged from typical Canadian aircraft manufacturers, known for rugged bushplanes, by pursuing ambitious, futuristic aerospace concepts like fighter jets, supersonic interceptors, and the unique VZ-9 Avrocar.
The Avrocar was an experimental, saucer-shaped, jet-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle, initially funded by the Canadian government and later by the U.S. Air Force for proof-of-concept.
Despite its innovative design, the Avrocar was severely hampered by inherent instability, uncontrollable oscillations, and insufficient engine thrust, limiting its performance to very low speeds and altitudes (e.g., 35 mph and 3 feet).
The Avrocar project's cancellation in 1961, combined with other program setbacks like the CF-105 Arrow, ultimately led to Avro Canada ceasing operations in 1962, despite its pioneering spirit in aerospace innovation.

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For the most part, Canadian manufacturers have produced the kinds of aircraft one might expect from a northern country with vast, rugged wilderness, harsh winters, and a large number of unimproved airstrips. Aircraft like the Noorduyn Norseman and the iconic de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver have established the country as a legendary producer of tough, capable bushplanes that are just as happy on skis or floats as they are on wheels.

But not all Canadian aircraft manufacturers have always fit this mold, least of all the Avro Canada Corp.