cmv@cbnap.UUCP (04/09/84)
I remember seeing a segment on television (60 minutes?) that featured a
bizzar sort of helicopter. It was an experimental model that is being offered
in kit form from somewhere. Basically, it had a one seat cockpit with the
engine directly behind the pilot. The engine powered a single propeller
blowing air directly aft. Overhead was a large freewheeling rotor blade that
was not connected to the engine. The upshot was that this new vehicle was
ultra-easy to operate, would "whirlybird" itself to the ground if the engine
died, and would be the new personal transportation of the future. Can anyone
get me any information on this?? Any help at all would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance-
...can't get enough 'o them flyin' machines
Craig Votava
AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus
...ihnp4!cbnap!cmv
...cbosgd!cbnap!cmvknutson@ut-ngp.UUCP (04/10/84)
Those things have been around for quite a while. Remember them in one
of the James Bond films (I don't remember the name) and also in the
martian chronicles. I believe that if you look in the back of a
Popular Mechanics magazine you might be able to find some more info.
--
Jim Knutson
ARPA: knutson@ut-ngp
UUCP: {ihnp4,seismo,kpno,ctvax}!ut-sally!ut-ngp!knutsonron@brl-vgr.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>) (04/10/84)
They are called auto-gyros and have been around for years. Recently however some one (Texas) has been marketing an ultralight version. See Flying magazine a couple of years back. They have a rather interesting training method. You get in the thing with the engine off and they tow you around behind a station wagon. -Ron
bob@decvax.UUCP (Robert Bismuth) (04/11/84)
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What you are asking for is information about Gyroplanes. Quite a few have been
built in the US and a variety of plans are available. Note that you DO need
the appropriate Pilot's Licence to fly one (unlike an ultralight).
If you really are interested in building one of these, I would suggest you join
the Experimental Aircraft Association (address: Hales Corners, WI 53130). Their
monthly publication advertises reputable sources of plans for such craft. Also,
there is very likely a local chapter in your area - you never know, you may be
living next to someone who has built and flown one.
bob
decvax!bobBON@JPL-ROBOTICS.ARPA (04/16/84)
From: Bruce Bon <BON@JPL-ROBOTICS.ARPA> Aren't these the same as "gyrocopters"? If so, they were described in Popular Science, probably ten years ago -- in particular, a 1-person home-built model which could operate either as a towed glider or with a pusher-prop. A fancy model, complete with faring and missiles, was one of the featured gadgets in the James Bond movie, "You Only Live Twice"! Bruce Bon ------