What's a Gyrocopter?
I had an idea, but didn't know for sure, more info here:
http://pra.org/default.aspx?p=gyroplanes&i=16
Can a gyroplane take off vertically or hover?
Most gyroplanes require a runway for takeoff but can land with a zero to 20 foot (6 m) landing roll. A few custom-built gyroplanes have “jump takeoff capability,” meaning they can jump 25 to 50 feet (7.5 to 15 m) high to t ake off. No gyroplanes can hover because their rotor blades are not powered.
7. How fast do gyroplanes fly?
Most gyroplanes cruise at 45 mph to 60 mph (72.5 to 96.5 kph). Andrew Keech’s Little Wing LW-5 holds the 2006 world speed record of 168.29 kph (104.6 mph).
8. How high do gyroplanes fly?
Most gyroplanes fly under 3,000 feet above the ground because their pilots like the scenery at the lower altitudes. Specially modified gyroplanes have gone almost 20,000 feet (6,096 m) high.
9. Can gyroplanes do aerobatics?
Most gyroplane pilots fly sensibly without trying aerobatics. With a well-trained pilot, a gyroplane is capable of doing most positive-G aerobatic maneuvers. Negative-G maneuvers which can slow or stop the rotor blades should be avoided.
10. What makes a gyroplane fly?
Thrust from a propeller driven by an engine moves the gyroplane forward. Air coming in under the free-spinning rotor blades makes them rotate and produce lift. This is called “autorotation,” meaning they turn on their own.
11. What do rotor blades do?
Rotor blades are really wings that turn about an axis. Small gyroplanes have rotor blades about 20 feet (6 m) in diameter and about 6 inches (15 cm) front-to-back. When these rotor blades are turning several hundred RPM, they produce lift enough for sustained flight.
12. Are gyroplanes hard to fly?
Flying some older generation, less stable gyroplanes may be considerably more difficult to fly than an airplane or helicopter. Gyroplane models employing safer aerodynamic stability designs may be as easy to fly as an airplane or helicopter. More stable gyroplanes may be considerably less sensitive to wind turbulence than other aircraft. Gyroplanes fly differently than airplanes or helicopters, and flight training is required, whether you are a pilot or not.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I wonder if the new Mad Max flick coming out next month will have one in it too.
