The majority of all photos text and drawings that were previously shown on the two
    dedicated Rohr 2-175 (71X) web pages have been removed and included into a deluxe
    colored page book along with many more photos never shown before. Additional details
    of the people involved with the project have also been added along with some of the
    extensive test equipment.

    This is the only book of its kind that has ever been published along with the original
    digitally enhanced color photos and written history by two original Project Engineers.
Ray_Stits_Aircraft
The variable pitch propeller in
Richard's test chamber made from
steel. Drive was done in a vacuum as it
required only 1/10th  the horsepower,
which was supplied by a very small
(but noisy) hydraulic drive motor. The
strobe light used, visually stopped the
rotation so you could check the blade
pitch angles at various rpm's. The
wooden barrel skives are blade energy
reducers in case the aluminum  
propeller blades came loose. They
would otherwise have enough energy
to go through the 3/8" thick steel
chamber walls..... absolutely true.
The test gearbox
above is internal to
the vacuum
chamber. It was
unique because
the gear box and
propeller pitch
change hub are oil
pressure operated
(in the presence of
a vacuum). Perfect
seals required.
Copyright © 2000 - 2014 by Richard W. Fraser  All Rights Reserved
Test pilot Don Westergren and the 71-X
A tribute to a very fine group of people who
had the Vision and Team Spirit to
do something different

The Rohr 2-175 (originally known as the 71-X) was the vision of several people
and a visionary CEO Mr. Burt Raynes, who pushed the design to completion.

The 2-175 accomplished it's first goal of a successful flight and if the
management of Rohr Industries, Inc. in Chula Vista, California.

At that time the Company could have made a well deserved profit
for the many years that followed.
The 71-X in flight over the Holtville, California area
71-X in flight photo over the Holtville, California farm area. Note
the drag chute packet tucked under the duct.
A gracious thank you goes to Don Westergren for sharing these exclusive photos of the
71-X. Don was the test pilot for this wonderful aircraft. Both Richard and Don had the
opportunity of working together at Rohr Industries, Inc. on this project and also on Rohr's
2KSES Surface Effect Ship project which is covered in another section of this website.

Very rare photos indeed.  Although Rohr Industries, Inc. is now owned by Goodrich, the
remaining employees can be proud of the many accomplishments and Legacy that
"Pappy" Rohr has left behind.
Another photo of the 71-X and Cessna. Note the walls covered in canvas.
The walls were stacks of hay bales for deadening the sound during test
run-ups. You could walk around the outside and
actually hear very little sound. Amazing!
  • The overall program was called Project 71X because it was started in 1971 as an "X" or
    experimental project. The actual name of the design was the "Two-175" for two place with
    a top speed of 175 mph (not Kts).

  • All altitude air to air photos were on the first official flight on October 14, 1974 at Holtville,
    California.

  • The second and final flight was on December 17, 1974 at Holtville, California.

  • All taxi tests were done at Holtville, California starting early Septemebr 1974 and included
    "first daylight under the wheels" on September 18, 1974. All subsequent taxi tests were
    under 35 foot altitude on straight passes down a 6,000 foot runway. This allowed the test
    pilot to get a feel for the aircraft in ground effect and a little out of it.
A Little Flight History
as provided by Don Westergren
Rohr 2-175 (71-X) Fan Jet

FRASER AERO TECHNOLOGY COMPANY  
This book is now
out of print.
New Discovery
Over 400 new 71X FanJet color slides
in excellent condition has been
discovered. Another book or expand
the current book ?  Construction
details and more. A deluxe edition
perhaps with a pull out scale drawing
and airfoil used based
upon historical delta aircraft designed
by the same people?
Contact us here
This book is now out of print.