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An autogyro is an aircraft supported in flight by a rotor driven solely by aerodynamic forces. It is also sometimes called a gyroplane, gyrocopter, or rotaplane, but the term autogiro only applies for products by the Cierva Autogiro Company or one of its licensees (see below).
Though the autogyro superficially resembles a helicopter, it is driven in flight by an engine-powered propeller similar to that of an airplane
The rotor turns due to autorotation to provide lift. Often mistakenly characterized as a hybrid between an airplane and helicopter
The autogyro is a distinct type of aircraft. It was invented in 1919 but made its first successful flight on 17 January 1923 at Cuatro Vientos Airfield in Madrid, Spain, predating the first successful helicopter by 13 years.
Autogyro News is the official magazine of the NZ Autogyro Association.
It is published every two months and distributed free to all members of the Association. Membership subscriptions cost NZ$35 in New Zealand. Overseas subscriptions are available for NZ$50 which covers the extra cost of airmail postage. To join the Association, send a cheque or money order to the Secretary, Karen Middleton, 17 Dunsinane Place, Marton, New Zealand.
The September 2006 magazine is available here as an example for free download (3MB). Contributions to the magazine are welcome. Contact the Editor, Michael Norton, email: michael@autogyro.org.nz.
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Modern Autogyro, ELA-07, Casarrubios del Monte Airfield, Spain, 2004.
All helicopters utilize rotor technology first developed for the autogyro; the helicopter owes its existence to the work conducted by Juan de la Cierva y Codorniu and his associates.
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