What in the world is an Autogyro?
Landing Gear
The landing gear of an autogyro facilitates takeoff and landing operations.
Fixed landing gear
Most autogyros feature fixed landing gear, consisting of wheels or skids that remain extended throughout the flight.
Retractable landing gear (if applicable)
Advanced autogyro models may incorporate retractable landing gear, which can be retracted during flight to reduce drag and enhance performance.
The Science Behind Autogyros
Lift Generation
Autogyros achieve lift through the fascinating phenomenon of autorotation, where the rotor blades rotate due to the airflow passing through them.
The principle of Autorotation
When an autogyro moves forward, the airflow created by its motion passes through the rotor disc, causing the air to move upward. As this upward flow interacts with the rotor blades, it generates lift.
Aerodynamic forces on the rotor blades
The rotor blades, designed as airfoils, exploit the principles of aerodynamics to generate lift as the air flows over them. This lift is fundamental in keeping the autogyro airborne.
