From Autogiro to Gyroplane: The Amazing Survival of an Aviation Technology

by Bruce H. Charnov

Predating the invention of the helicopter by two decades, the Autogiro was the world's first rotary-wing aircraft. The helicopter had the advantageous ability to rise straight up, while the Autogiro/gyroplane could only taxi. Yet the gyroplane was safer and more stable; both aircraft should have had value in market. Why did the helicopter survive and prosper, while the Autogiro became a nearly forgotten historical footnote? Why didn't the Autogiro...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1567205038
• ISBN13: 9781567205039
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Praeger
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.6" x 9.5"