Autogyro

AutoGyro Calidus - Shuttleworth Season Premiere 2016 (26422815634)

VPM M-16 engine and rotor

Giros-2 Eger

montgomerie.merlin.b8mr.autogyro.arp

Ciervas 1st autogiro

Autogyro (Spanish: Autogiro), also known as a gyroplane or gyrocopter, is a type of rotorcraft that uses an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to develop lift, and an engine-powered propeller, similar to that of a fixed-wing aircraft, to provide thrust. Unlike a helicopter, the rotor of an autogyro is driven by aerodynamic forces alone once in flight, and not by an engine. The autogyro was invented by Juan de la Cierva, a Spanish engineer, in the early 1920s as a means to create an aircraft that could fly safely at low speeds.

Development and History

The development of the autogyro began with Juan de la Cierva's attempt to create a safer aircraft. His first successful autogyro, the Cierva C.4, flew for the first time in January 1923 at Getafe Air Base near Madrid, Spain. This breakthrough led to the further development of the autogyro, with improvements in stability and control. The technology quickly spread to other countries, including the United States, where it was further developed by individuals such as Harold Pitcairn and Kellett.

Design and Operation

The key to the autogyro's operation is the rotor system, which functions differently from that of a helicopter. In an autogyro, the rotor blades are freely rotating in flight, driven by the airstream that flows up through the rotor disk when the aircraft moves forward. This phenomenon, known as autorotation, allows the autogyro to generate lift. Control of the aircraft is achieved through a rudder and conventional control surfaces on the wings and tail, not through altering the rotation of the rotor blades as in a helicopter.

Autogyros are known for their ability to perform short takeoffs and landings (STOL). However, they cannot hover in the same manner as helicopters because they require forward motion to maintain rotor spin and thus lift.

Applications

Autogyros have been used in various applications, including surveillance, agricultural, and recreational flying. Due to their STOL capabilities, they are particularly suited for operations in confined spaces where conventional aircraft cannot operate. However, their popularity has been overshadowed by the development of helicopters, which offer vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities and hover performance.

Modern Autogyros

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in autogyros, particularly in the recreational aviation sector. Modern autogyros feature advanced materials and design improvements that enhance performance, safety, and comfort. They are appreciated for their simplicity, lower cost of operation, and safety compared to helicopters.

Regulation

Autogyros are subject to aviation regulations, which vary by country. In many jurisdictions, they are classified similarly to other light sport aircraft (LSA), with specific requirements for pilot certification, aircraft registration, and operation.

See Also

• Rotorcraft
• Helicopter
• Fixed-wing aircraft
• Juan de la Cierva
• Light sport aircraft