PROJECT 1794 FINAL DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY REPORT

This document is the Final Development Summary Report for Project 1794, covering the period from April 2, 1955, to May 31, 1956. The report, issued by Avro Aircraft Limited in Malton, Ontario, details the feasibility study and design configuration efforts for a new type of jet-propelled, circular planform aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). The project, also referred to as Project 704, aimed to develop an aircraft that could operate from ground cushion take-off to supersonic flight at high altitudes. The report concludes that the proposed stabilization and control method, which uses propulsive jets to control the aircraft, is feasible. Performance estimates for the aircraft, assuming a 1200°K main combustion temperature, include a maximum level speed of Mach 3.0, a supersonic ceiling of 94,000 feet, and a still air range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles. The report details extensive wind tunnel testing conducted at the Wright Air Development Centre and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, involving various models to study air cushion effects, stability, control, and air intake performance. The report also outlines the development and production aspects, noting that the aircraft's symmetry allows for simpler manufacturing and lower costs compared to conventional aircraft. The report includes a financial statement and a cost forecast for future development programs, estimating a total of $3,168,000 for an 18 to 24-month period. The document emphasizes that while the feasibility of the design has been established, further tests are required to fully substantiate the performance and to refine the internal air intake flow and control systems. The report includes numerous figures illustrating the aircraft's design, wind tunnel models, and performance data.