autogiro
Noun: An aircraft that achieves lift primarily through unpowered, freely rotating horizontal wings (or rotor blades). Forward propulsion and directional control are provided by a conventional engine-driven propeller and rudder system, unlike a helicopter whose main rotor is powered.
The term "autogiro" refers specifically to this type of rotary-wing aircraft. It is used to describe both the vehicle itself and the concept of its operation. * The inventor, Juan de la Cierva, successfully flew the first practical autogiro in 1923. * An autogiro can take off and land in very short distances, but it typically requires a short rolling takeoff to get its rotor spinning. * Modern gyrocopters are direct descendants of the early autogiro design.
- Technical Principle: The key principle is autorotation, where the rotor system turns due to aerodynamic forces as the aircraft moves forward, generating lift without engine power to the rotor.
- Historical Context: The autogiro was a pioneering forerunner to the helicopter, proving the viability of rotary-wing flight.
- Gyroplane (n): A modern term often used interchangeably with "autogiro," though sometimes specifying contemporary designs.
- Gyrocopter (n): A common term for a small, lightweight autogiro, often used for recreational flying.
- Autorotate (v): The aerodynamic process that drives the unpowered rotor of an autogiro.
- Gyroplane
- Gyrocopter
- Rotary-wing aircraft (this is a broader category that includes helicopters)
- Autorotative landing: A safety procedure also used in helicopters, where the aircraft lands using only the lift from an unpowered, autorotating rotor, similar to the normal landing mode of an autogiro.
- Jump takeoff: Some advanced autogiro designs can pre-spin the rotor to high RPMs while on the ground, allowing a near-vertical "jump" takeoff without a roll.
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an aircraft that is supported in flight by unpowered rotating horizontal wings (or blades); forward propulsion is provided by a conventional propeller
