What in the world is an Autogyro?

The Magic of the Rotor System

At the core of every autogyro lies the remarkable rotor system, responsible for its flight dynamics.

The Main Rotor

The main rotor, located on top of the autogyro, consists of several crucial components:

a. Rotor blades Constructed from lightweight materials like aluminium or composites, the rotor blades are designed in an airfoil shape to generate lift as air flows over them.

b. Rotor hub The rotor blades are mounted on the rotor hub, which facilitates the transfer of rotational force from the engine to the blades. The hub allows the blades to pitch, enabling control over the autogyro’s behaviour in flight.

c. Rotor mast Connecting the rotor hub to the fuselage, the rotor mast provides structural support and stability to the rotor system.

d. Pre-rotator system Some autogyros incorporate a pre-rotator system powered by an electric motor or a small engine. This system kick-starts the rotor’s rotation before takeoff, ensuring a smooth transition into autorotation.

The Tail Rotor

Located at the rear of the autogyro, the tail rotor assists in steering the aircraft.

a. Function and design The tail rotor generates thrust to counteract the torque produced by the main rotor’s rotation. It can be a conventional horizontal rotor or a ducted fan, providing directional control to the autogyro.

b. Control mechanism Similar to anti-torque pedals in helicopters, the pilot controls the thrust of the tail rotor using pedals, allowing for precise maneuvering and yaw control.