Understanding Autogyros: The Differences Between Gyroplanes and Helicopters

Autogyro, also known as gyroplane or gyrocopter, is a type of rotorcraft that uses unpowered rotors to generate lift, while a powered propeller provides thrust. The rotors are typically mounted on a fixed frame, and the aircraft is controlled by tilting the rotors to change the angle of attack.

Autogyros are similar to helicopters in that they use rotors to generate lift, but they differ in several key ways. Helicopters have powered rotors that rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, while autogyros have unpowered rotors that only rotate in one direction. Additionally, helicopters have a separate tail rotor to provide thrust, while autogyros use a propeller to provide thrust.

Autogyros are often used for recreational purposes, such as sightseeing tours or aerial photography, and they can also be used for crop dusting or other agricultural applications. They are generally less expensive than helicopters and easier to operate, but they have limited payload capacity and range compared to helicopters.