The Bensen X-25 was a gyrocopter developed as a test vehicle as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Discretionary Descent Vehicle (DDV) program.

Development

The X-25 was planned to replace combat aircraft ejection seats to allow downed pilots more control over their post-ejection landing spot. Three Bensen B-8 gyrocopters were ordered and modified.

Operational History

The X-25 was a completely unpowered autogyro. No known piloted tests of this vehicle were performed. The X-25A was equipped with a motor while the X-25B was unpowered. Both aircraft were used to evaluate the piloting and training requirements of the autogyros. No full-scale operational tests were ever performed. The X-25A was first flown on June 5, 1968. The U.S. Air Force stopped funding the DDV program with the end of the Vietnam War.

The X-25A is now on display in the USAF Museum and the X-25B is now on display at the AFFTC Museum .

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m)
• Rotorspan: 22 ft 8 in (6.91 m)
• Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
• Empty: 247 lbs (112.27 kg)
• Loaded: 550 lbs (250 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 McCulloch 4318 piston engine 72 hp (53.71 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 95 mph (152.95 km/h)
• Range: 84 miles (136.85 km)
• Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572.01 m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
• Power/mass:

References

American X-Vehicles (.pdf)

Related content

Related development:

Comparable aircraft: Benson BM-8

Designation sequence: X-22 - X-23 - X-24 - X-25 - X-26 - X-27 - X-28

See also: List of experimental aircraft