VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL

UNIVERSITY
JNANA SANGAMA, BELGAUM-590014, KARNATAKA, INDIA.

TECHNICAL SEMINAR ON:

GYROCOPTERS
BY

RAKESH S
(1RR10ME030)
Under the Guidance of

ANAND A
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

RAJARAJESWARI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

#14, Ramohalli, Kumbalagodu, Mysore Road, Bengaluru - 560074.
2013-14

CONTENTS
Introduction
History
Components of Gyrocopter
Aerodynamics of Gyrocopter.
Models of Gyrocopters.
Application.
Advantages and Disadvantages

INRODUCTION
An autogyro also known as gyroplane,gyrocopter,

orrotarplane, is a type ofrotorcraftwhich uses an

unpowered rotor inautorotationto developlift, and an
engine-powered propeller, similar to that of afixed-wing
aircraft, to providethrust.
An autogyro is characterized by a free-spinning rotor
that turns because of passage of air through the rotor
from below.
The rushing air spins the rotor as the air craft is lift
forward by an engine driven propeller.
Modern gyroplanes use a pusher propeller and are light
and maneuverable.

HISTORY
Spanish inventor Juan de Ia Cierva built the first "Autogiro" in 1923
The first controlled flight occurred on January 17, 1923. Cierva was

influenced by the Wright Brothers' plane design but wanted to

create a plane that flew better at low speeds.
The autogyro

that successfully flew in 1923 was Cierva's fourth

design. His first three autogyro designs failed because of a rigid
rotor which caused the aircraft to tilt and provided an unbalanced
lift

Autogyro kites were secret weapons used by Germany in WWII

1953 saw the rebirth of interest in the gyroplane with the invention

of Dr. Igor Bensen's patented "Gyrocopter."

COMPONENTS OF GYROPLANES
AIRFRAME

The airframe provides the

structure
to
which
all
other
components are attached. Airframes
may be welded tube, sheet metal,
composite, or simply tubes bolted
together.
POWERPLANT

The power plant provides

the thrust necessary for forward
flight, and is independent of the
rotor system while in flight. While on
the ground, the engine may be used
as a source of power to rerotate
the rotor system

 ROTOR SYSTEM

The rotor system

provides lift and control for the
gyro
plane.
The
fully
articulated and semi-rigid rotor
systems are the most common.
TAILSURFACES

The tail surfaces

provide stability and control in
the pitch and yaw axes. These
tail surfaces are similar to an
airplane
and
may
be
comprised of a fin and rudder,
stabilizer and elevator.

LANDING GEAR

The landing gear provides

the mobility while on the ground
and may be either conventional
or tricycle. Conventional gear
consists of two main wheels, and
one under the tail.

WINGS
Wings may or may
not comprise a component
of the gyroplane. When
used,
they
provide
increased
performance,
increased storage capacity,
and increased stability

AUTOROTATION
A gyroplane rotor system operates in autorotation.
This means the rotor spins freely as a result of air flowing up
through the blades, rather than using engine power to turn the
blades and draw air from above.
Forces are created during autorotation that keep the rotor blades
turning, as well as creating lift to keep the air- craft aloft.
Aerodynamically, the rotor system of a gyroplane in normal flight
operates like a helicopter rotor during an engine-out forward
auto rotative descent.
AERODYNAMICS OF GYROCOPTER

VERTICAL AUTOROTATION
During

a vertical autorotation, two basic components

contribute to the relative wind striking the rotor blades.
One component, the upward flow of air through the rotor
system, remains relatively constant for a given flight condition.
The other component is the rotational airflow, which is the
wind velocity across the blades as they spin.
This component varies significantly based upon how far from
the rotor hub it is measured.

GYROCOPTERS
Thrust is produced by an engine-driven propeller.
The unpowered, freely turning rotor is tilted back as the gyro

plane

moves forward .
Oncoming airflow through the rotor causes it to spin, producing lift. This
is called autorotation.
Always operates in autorotation, thus:
Cannot stall like fixed wing aircraft.
Flies safely at low altitudes and low speeds.
No need for heavy main rotor transmission nor a tail rotor.

HELICOPTERS
The powered rotor produced both lift and thrust, and is tilted forward.
Can hover, but powered rotor requires:
Adequate forward speed and/or altitude to maintain flight in case of

power failure.
A heavy main transmission.

GYROPLANE MODLES
There are dozens of gyroplane kit manufacturers
and models. Here are just a few of the most popular in the
US.

Dominator Model

Ultra light Model

Butterfly Model

Sparrow Hawk
Model

PAL-V Design Flying Gyrocopter Tricycle

The PAL-V ONE is a two seat hybrid car

and gyroplane: a personal air and land

vehicle.
The PAL-V usually flies below 4,000 feet
(1,200 m), the airspace available for
uncontrolled Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
traffic; so there will be no interference
from commercial air traffic.
It runs on gasoline. It can reach speeds
of up to 180 km/h (112 mph) both on
land and in the air.
The PAL-V ONE has a very short take off
and landing capability, making it
possible to land practically anywhere
Converting the PAL-V ONE from airplane
to automobile is a very easy process
which takes about 10 minutes.

APPICATION

OF GYROCOPTERS

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages (compared to a conventional airplane)

In turbulent air it still flies smoothly with excellent stability due to its high

rotor speed.
Because a gyroplane can fly so slow that it needs very little space to land.
Wide speed range, with a low minimum speed (from 50 km/h up to 180

km/h).
For the price of one helicopter you can have 20 gyrocopters.
Pilot training is very easy as it is more safe to land than a helicopter.

Disadvantages (compared to a conventional airplane):

A gyroplane has higher drag, so maximum speed and range are lower.
Unlike a helicopter , a gyroplane cannot hover and take off or land vertically.
No winching capability, since it is a small machine, its lifting capabilities is

not more than 2 persons.

When it hovers it loses altitude.

CONCLUSION
Flying an open air gyroplane is like riding a
high performance motorcycle that can fly
Gyrocopters can be transported and stored on
a small trailer so you can easily take it to an airfield of
your choice. Save the high cost of hanger fees and
aircraft tie down fees by keeping your gyrocopter on
the trailer at your home or business. The cost to keep
and maintain one of our gyrocopters is only slightly
more than that of a large motorcycle. It is an
unbelievably fun machine to fly and can operate in
more windy conditions.

REFERENCES

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrocopter

http://www.pal-v.com/

http://www.hoverhawk.com/gyro.html

http://www.ca.com.au/%7gyroaust?gyro.html

http://www.jefflewis.net/autogyros.html

BOOKS REFERED:

ROTORCRAFT FLYING HAND BOOK

POPULAR ROTOCRAFT ASSOCIATION GUIDE

Thank you