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, which focused on rugged bushplanes, by pursuing ambitious and futuristic aerospace projects, including fighter jets and the experimental VZ-9 Avrocar.
The jet-powered, saucer-shaped VZ-9 Avrocar, initially a Canadian government concept later funded by the U.S. Air Force, aimed to achieve vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).
Despite its innovative design, the Avrocar was severely hampered by uncontrollable instability and a lack of power, preventing it from achieving significant speed or altitude and leading to its cancellation in 1961.
The Avrocar's failure, coupled with other major project cancellations, contributed to Avro Canada ceasing operations in 1962, though the company is remembered for its unique vision and cutting-edge 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.