Gyroplanes

Gyroplanes, also known as autogyr, gyrocopter, or rotaplane, is a type of rotorcraft which uses an unpowered rotor in autorotation to develop lift, and an engine-powered propeller, similar to that of a fixed-wing aircraft, to provide thrust. While similar to a helicopter rotor in appearance, the autogyro's rotor must have air flowing through the rotor disc in order to generate rotation.

The advantages of the Gyroplane over conventional fixed-wing aircraft

• Turbulence has little or no effect – no bouncing around!
• Minimal take-off distances (typically 50 to 150 metres).
• Very short landing distances.
• Wide speed range, with a very low minimum speed safely possible.
• An MTO Sport costs around 10% of the cost to own and operate a helicopter yet can accomplish 90% of what a helicopter can do. Unlike a helicopter an autogyro cannot hover, take off or land vertically.