An autogyro (also known as a gyrocopter) is a type of rotorcraft that uses an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to develop lift and a separate engine-driven propeller to provide forward thrust. The autogyro was originally made as a vehicle that could fly at low speeds safely. This is one of the benefits of autogyros over other aircraft. In windy conditions an autogyro can be flown in the wind to effectively hover safely. Forward movement powers the main rotor rather than engine-driven through the rotor shaft, which means if the engine was to cut out (engine failure/stalling) the autogyro simply glides down to the ground as the rotor still turns. This differs to helicopters where a loss of power is often catastrophic.

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A PPL(G) (Private Pilots Licence for Gyroplanes) is required to fly an autogyro which requires 40 hours of training to complete (at least 15 hours under dual instruction and 10 hours solo)

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The first autogyro, the Cierva C.1, was invented in 1920 in Spain, by Juan de la Cierva. After years of testing, the first successful flight occured in 1923 in the model C.4, fitted with hinged rotor blades and a lead/lag hinge on the rotor hub. This overcame the problems of the previous models which rolled on take-off.

 

The Fairey Rotodyne was British autogyro designed for commercial and military uses. The Rotodyne featured a tip-jet-powered rotor using a mixture of fuel and compressed air through two wing-mounted turboprops. It could carry 40 passengers, and had a top speed of 190 mph, range of 450 miles and could reach altitudes of 13,000 ft. Vertical takeoffs, landings and hovering were all possible, as well as low-speed cruise flight. A single prototype was built and although the Rotodyne was successful in trials, the programme was eventually cancelled as it failed to attract any commercial orders; possibly due to the noise generated by the rotor tip jet in flight. Politics also played a role as the project was government funded, which ultimately led to its the end.