American Gyro AG-4 Crusader / Shelton Flying-Wing / Gyroplane

American Gyro Crusader NX14429

Designed by Thomas Shelton, the 1935 twin-engined AG-4 Crusader was originally called Shelton Flying-Wing and Gyroplane.

All-metal construction. Twin-boom, twin-tail empennage with a nacelle fuselage; panted wheels modified to retractable in 1936.

American Gyro Crusader NX14429

Plans sold to Timm Aircraft Co to build proposed seven-place retractable-gear AG-7, but financing problems prevented further development.

The AG-4 Crusader NX14429 was dismantled c.1941 and stored at Van Nuys CA, and was destroyed in a hangar fire.

Engines: two 125hp Menasco C-4
Wingspan: 36’0″
Length: 21’8″
Useful load: 1000 lb
Max speed: 233 mph
Cruise: 210 mph
Stall: 55 mph
Max SE speed: 150 mph
Range: 600
Seats: 4

American Eagle A-429 / Flyabout

American Eagle A-429 NX99E

The 1929 American Eagle A-429, or Flyabout, two-place biplane was a close copy of Longren Sport with steel-tube fuselage. Folding wings with bridge-truss struts; side-by-side single cockpit. Preiced at $1,895-2,495.

An optional 40hp Anzani gave somewhat less performance.

Two were built; N363 and NX99E.

Engine: 60hp LeBlond 5D
Wingspan: 27’11”
Length: 19’6″
Useful load: 400 lb
Max speed: 100 mph
Cruise: 85 mph
Stall: 25 mph
Range: 340 mi
Seats: 2