What is a gyroplane – the history of creation, design, control and flight speed

The content of the article

• Gyro inventor
• Principle of operation
• Control
• Flight speed
• Flight modes
• Use
• Development in the USSR and Russia
• Modern gyros
• Classification
• Special properties

Among modern flying vehicles, wingless technique is especially popular. What is an autogyro or, as it is also called, a helicopter, a gyroplane? All these terms refer to the same wingless aircraft with two screws (horizontal and vertical tail). In the West, a light rotorcraft is usually called a gyroplane, rotoplan, gyrocopter. All names reflect the principle that this unique technique is successfully held in the air..

Gyro inventor

This aircraft was invented in 1919 by the Spanish engineer Juan de la Cerva. His gyroplane first saw the sky in the spring of 1923. Interest in rotoplanes has renewed since the late 1950s thanks to Igor Bensen, who sold proprietary rotorcraft. His inventions were the simplest single gyroplanes of lightweight construction and were sold in self-assembly kits. The only gyroplane model renamed to pegasus, which has survived to this day, is located in a resident of California.

Principle of operation

Design features and the principle of operation of the gyroplane are similar to a glider, plane, hang glider or motor hang glider. Lifting power is provided by the oncoming air flow, and the role of the wings is played by a bearing rotary screw (rotor). This feature provides a horizontal flight of the gyroplane, due to which it is kept in the air. The general pitch of the screw is regulated by the manufacturer; during operation it is not subject to change.

The translational motion is carried out by the pulling force of the gyroplane marching engine, if it is located in front, and by the pushing action, when the motor is located behind. To start the movement of the rotor blades, that is, to rotate the screw, only air flow is required, which is called the autorotation mode. The propeller resistance in the air spins the propeller, due to which the aerodynamic principle triggers the transmission, and the gyroplane begins to plan freely.

Control

Standard gyroplanes with vertical take-off can be controlled and moved relative to three spatial axes: longitudinal, transverse, vertical. The directional control of the rotorcraft is carried out by the rudder, which is fixed on the rear of the fuselage. The inclination of the rotor plane of rotation of the rotor, due to which the required pitch angle is performed, is achieved by deflecting the gyroplane control knob.

The principle of movement of the pedals and the gyroplane handle is subject to the instinctive manipulations of a person to maintain balance during flight, as well as when controlling an airplane. Moving the handle in any direction entails the deviation of the axis of the rotor in the same direction, due to which the gyroplane is rotated. The gyroplane control mechanism also involves forks with tips.

Flight speed

Classic gyroplanes travel in mid-air at an average speed of 120 km / h with a fuel consumption of about 15 liters per 100 km. Gyroplanes can develop flight speed from 25 to 180 km / h, a record mark of the rate of movement in the air was recorded at 207 km / h. In connection with these characteristics, a gyroplane can be compared with a car in terms of fuel economy and speed, with the only difference being that it moves through the air.

Flight modes

Basically, aerodynamic flight in a gyroplane is in normal mode. No wonder the gyroplane is ranked among the safest, intermediate between a helicopter and an airplane, aircraft. However, emergency situations also occur with the gyroplane, such as unloading the rotor, icing, autorotation dead zone, somersault. The main advantage of the gyroplane is that in case of loss of speed, engine failure or any malfunctions in control, it is able to make a safe landing.

Use

Gyroplanes are used to move quickly instead of cars. The advantage of a gyroplane over land vehicles is complete freedom in maneuvering and the absence of traffic jams. The gyroplane is ideal for short-term recreational and tourist air walks. For these purposes, preferable models designed for two or three passengers.

Gyroplanes are used for military and business flights in order to inspect a certain territory, control oil pipelines, protect border zones, and monitor fires in forests. A modern gyrocopter with a camera is used for aerial photography or aerial video recordings, thanks to its wide view and low vibration, unlike helicopters.

Development in the USSR and Russia

The rapid development of aviation in the early XX century led to the emergence of a wide variety of aircraft. Soviet gyroplane was designed and constructed by N.I. Kamov. The first flight on this gyroplane under the name KASKR-1 “Red Engineer” was completed in 1929 by a test pilot in the company of the designer himself. At present, in Russia, the development of gyroplanes is carried out by several leading companies: “For the clouds”, “Aero-Astra”, “AviaMaster”.

Modern gyros

After several decades after the creation of the first gyroplanes, the philosophy of continuous improvement entailed the invention of a gyroplane with a closed cabin. In addition to the elegant design, modern gyroplanes are distinguished by an improved design of takeoff, landing and control mechanisms of the rotorcraft during flight, ensuring its safety.

Classification

According to the principle of placing the propeller, gyroplanes are classified into two types: with pull and push propellers. The first version of aircraft units has the best engine cooling capability thanks to screw airflow. The advantage of gyrocopter gyroscope models is their safety in the event of mechanical impact on the bow during an accident. The advantage of the design of the grease plans with the pushing screw is the best view from the cockpit.

Special properties

Most modern gyroplanes are equipped with a mechanism for pre-promotion of the rotor hub. With this design option, the rotor spins up to take off the rotorcraft. Preliminary untwisting of the propeller of the gyroplane significantly shortens its take-off and in case of a counter-flowing wind the lift is possible from the spot. A short take-off of the gyroplane is the most acceptable option in the absence of easily accessible airfields in Russia. Models with hopping take-off, for example, like the Cartercopter gyroplane, are universal.