Autogyro

aircraft · propeller · rotors · engineering

Rotors spin freely. The autogyro's big spinning rotor on top isn't powered by an engine. Instead, the air flowing through it as the machine moves forward makes it spin all by itself, kind of like a pinwheel in the wind.

Propeller does the pushing. While the rotor spins freely and creates lift, a regular propeller in front or back of the autogyro pushes it forward through the air. This is totally separate from the rotor system.

Clever design trick. The autogyro is smarter than it looks. Because the rotor isn't powered, it needs less fuel than a helicopter, and it's simpler and safer because there's less to go wrong.

Air flows upward. The rotor only works if air moves up through it as the autogyro flies forward. This upward airflow is what makes the rotor turn and creates the lift that keeps the machine in the sky.

Looks like a helicopter. At first glance, an autogyro looks similar to a helicopter with its big rotor on top, but they work in completely different ways. A helicopter engine powers the rotor, while an autogyro's rotor spins freely.