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:

While most Canadian aircraft manufacturers focused on producing rugged bushplanes for northern conditions, Avro Canada pursued ambitious, futuristic projects like fighter jets, jet airliners, and the experimental VZ-9 Avrocar.
The VZ-9 Avrocar was a jet-powered, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle resembling a flying saucer, initially funded by the Canadian government and later by the U.S. Air Force.
Despite its innovative design, the Avrocar suffered from severe instability and insufficient power to achieve sustained flight outside of ground effect, limiting it to low speeds and altitudes.
The Avrocar project was canceled in 1961 due to its performance issues, and combined with other project cancellations, led to Avro Canada ceasing operations in 1962, though it remains notable for its innovation and ambitious concepts.

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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.