So you want to know how autogyro works? You're not alone! This fascinating aircraft has been capturing the imaginations of people all over the world, and for good reason. An autogyro also known as gyroplane or gyrocopter, is a unique type of aircraft in which the rotor is driven by the means of the relative airflow caused by an engine-driven propeller at the back, rather than the more common helicopter design, which has the rotor directly powered by an engine. The spinning rotor (disks) acts like the wing which makes autogyros much easier to control and more stable than other rotor blades and fixed-wing aircraft.
The autogyro was first invented in 1920 by Juan de la Cierva, and since then has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. The invention was originally made as an alternative to aircraft that cannot operate in weather that drops below horizontal airflow. Thanks to its unique design, the autogyro can fly much slower than a helicopter and can even hover in place. It is also much more maneuverable, making it perfect for tight spaces and small airports.
But how does this unique design actually work? Let's take a closer look.
The Flight Mechanism
Before getting into the working mechanism of the autogyro, we should be aware of the four fundamental forces of flights. These are lift, weight, thrust, and drag. To put it simply, the lift is the force that counteracts gravity, weight is the object's weight in relation to gravity, thrust is generated by a motor or engine that Bernoulli's principle puts into action, and drag is the air resistance that slows the aircraft down. All these forces work together to keep an aircraft in the air and maintain its stability.
Lift and thrust are vital for autogyros because they generate rotary wing lift. This works by using an adjustable rotor attached to the top of the craft that generates forward motion via aerodynamic effects known as autorotation. As the craft moves forward, this lifts it off the ground and helps it maintain a certain level of altitude.
Weight also plays an important role in dictating how an autogyro behaves because it affects its center of gravity location. The combination of all these forces is what makes autogyros such capable flying machines!
Contrary to what many people believe, autogyros do not require an engine to fly.
The autogyro is powered by the wind, which is captured by a large rotor on the top of the aircraft. This rotation of the rotor provides lift and thrust to power the autogyro forward.
Inside the autogyro, there is a small propeller that provides forward motion and controls direction. This propeller is powered by the air passing through the aircraft, so there is no need for a separate engine.
Autogyro Control
If you want to know how an Autogyro functions, it's important to understand how it's controlled and maneuvered. There are a few ways that pilots are able to manage the Aurogyro's system, the first being its conventional use of ailerons, rudder, and elevator. The second is to modulate the pitch of the rotor blades using cyclic pitch. This works by applying thrust vectoring on each blade, giving pilots flexibility when they need it most.
In addition, autopilot systems are also common in Autogyros these days. These computerized programs can execute specific tasks or maneuvers without significant manual input from the pilot. When combined with mechanical inputs, Autogyros can stay in flight for longer periods of time and be taken through more complicated moves.
Here's how it works:
Forward motion: The autogyro moves forward under the power of its engine and propeller, creating airflow over the rotor blades.
Lift: As the airflow moves over the rotor blades, it creates lift, which supports the weight of the autogyro in the air.
Autorotation: The rotor blades continue to spin, driven by the airflow passing over them. This is known as autorotation. The spinning rotor generates lift, allowing the autogyro to remain airborne even if the engine fails.
Steering: To steer the autogyro, the pilot can adjust the angle of attack of the rotor blades by using control inputs in the cockpit. This changes the direction of the lift and allows the pilot to turn the aircraft.
Landing: When landing, the pilot reduces the power to the engine and the autogyro begins to descend. The spinning rotor continues to generate lift, allowing the autogyro to make a gentle landing.
In summary, autogyros use a combination of forward motion, lift from the rotor blades, and autorotation to stay airborne, and are able to fly safely even in the event of an engine failure.
Common Uses of Autogyros
You may be asking, what is the purpose of an Autogyro? Well, these ingenious machines come with a wide range of uses. The most common use is for recreational flying. It’s much easier to fly than a plane and way more exciting than a helicopter! Autogyros are fantastic for sightseeing, providing unparalleled views and thrills.
Autogyros can also be used as emergency medical airlift vehicles or surveillance aircraft. As they are able to take off and land in small spaces, they are ideal for accessing remote areas that a traditional airplane or helicopter wouldn’t be able to reach. Bomb disposal units also utilize Autogyros—their smaller size makes them invaluable tools in defusing bombs in tight corners of buildings or other areas.
Two variations to an autogyro besides pedals and thrusters, are:
* Tail Rotor Autogyro-uses a thrust pressure differential system.
* Jet Gyrocopters-uses turbines for thrust pressure differential system.
Autogyros have a rotor or propeller in the rear so that they can take-off vertically on the ground. The Axis Gyroplane Company offer two types of autogyros:
-Direct control autogyro: has joystick controls for the pilot and is easiest to learn
-Stabilator autogyro: is fully stabilized by computer systems and smoother controls for more advanced pilots
The Autogyro is a fascinating invention that has captured the imaginations of people all over the world. Its unique design and mechanism make it a truly special piece of technology. It's amazing to think that this invention has been around for almost a century and is still going strong. Thanks for reading!