From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"An autogyro is a type of rotary wing aircraft supported in flight by lift provided by a rotor. Unlike a helicopter, the rotor of an autogyro is driven by aerodynamic forces alone once it is in flight, and thrust is provided by an engine-powered propeller similar to that of a fixed-wing aircraft. However, the autogyro is a distinct type of aircraft and not a hybrid between fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
The autogyro was invented by Juan de la Cierva y Codorniu in 1919, and it made its first successful flight on 17 January 1923 at Cuatro Vientos Airfield in Madrid, Spain. De la Cierva's pioneering rotor technology paved the way for the invention of the helicopter 13 years later.
Autogyros are also known as gyroplanes, gyrocopters, or rotaplanes. When the term is spelled autogiro it is a trademark that can only be applied to products of the Cierva Autogiro Company or its licensees."
Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autogyro
Links to some basic info about some of the modern light sport and ultralight autogyros / gyrocopters:
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Aerocopter Futura
Cruise speed: 86 kt | 99 mph | 160 kmh
Empty weight: 270 kg | 595 lbs |
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