| What is a gyrocopter? A gyrocopter is also known as a gyroplane, auto-gyro, or just simply gyro. It is a heavier-then-air aircraft, that looks a lot like a helicopter. The difference is that a helicopter uses an engine that is attached to the main rotors, while the gyrocopter uses an engine that is attached to a small propeller (usually an ultralight one) on the back or the front like a plane. Essentially, a gyro is a hybrid between a helicopter and an airplane. It is considered by many to be the safest aircraft. Created by Juan de la Cierva in the 1930's, the craft is also the cheapest. Here are 2 examples: |
