Why aren’t we pursuing gyrocopters!
They’re STOVL, extremely simple to build, and basically fail safe.
I’d imagine a small batter pack and motor could even make it vertical takeoff too.
They’re STOVL, extremely simple to build, and basically fail safe.
I’d imagine a small batter pack and motor could even make it vertical takeoff too.
I'm a gyrocopter fan, but their safety record is not fantastic. Among other traits is a significant sensitivity to negative G maneuvers, even mild ones.
Commercial AMEL Instrument rated here. I do hope to get my gyro rating at some point, but the safety statistics are definitely not comparable to fixed wing.
On safety, the theory doesn’t always match reality, if I recall correctly Gyros are statistically one of the most dangerous recreational aircraft [source needed].
That makes it a helicopter. A gyrocopter has to have an unpowered rotor, which makes it much easier to fly, since there is no reaction force requiring a tail rotor.
This doesn’t work in an urban environment. It’s why the Rotodyne started up with rockets.