Gyroflight produced a small number of Hornet single-seat gyroplanes and gyrogliders in the early 1970s.
Era
Gyroflight Ltd
UK
Formed in 1969 to develop gyroplanes designed by Ernest Brooks, who was killed when his ultralight Mosquito gyroplane crashed. Gyroflight produced a small number of Hornet single-seat gyroplanes and gyrogliders in the early 1970s.
Gyrodyne QH-50
In 1956, Gyrodyne XRON-1 experiments led to development of the QH-50 unmanned drone versions of the XRON-1 and Gyrodyne delivered over 60 production QH-50Cs for operation from Naval frigates.
QH-50C
Engine: 1 x T50-BO8A turboshaft, 243kW
Rotor diameter: 6m
Take-off weight: 1036kg
Empty weight: 524kg
Max speed: 148km/h
Ceiling: 5000m
Range: 132km
Armament: 2 x Mk-44 torpedos or 1 x Mk-46 torpedo
Gyrodyne XRON-1 Rotorcycle
In 1956, Gyrodyne entered the competition to produce a single seat “personal” helicopter for operation off destroyer heli-decks for fleet observation, and for battlefield support, and built ten examples of the XRON-1 for the U.S. Navy. These also had a coaxial rotor layout and a 40hp Nelson H.59 engine – later replaced by a 60hp Porsche. This experiment led to development of the QH-50 unmanned drone versions and Gyrodyne delivered over 60 production QH-50Cs.
The inverted V-tail assembly is for stability only. All control is achieved through the overhead rotors. A feature is tip brakes mounted on the ends of the rotor blades which provide smooth directional control.
XRON-1
Crew: 1
Engine: 1 x Porsche 4-cylinder piston, 45kW
Take-off weight: 315kg
Payload: 105kg
Max speed: 110km/h
Service ceiling: 2000m
Range: 50-95km
Gyrodyne GCA-2
The Gyrodyne Company of America was established by Peter J. Papadakos in 1946. Gyrodyne acquired rights to the five-seat Helicopters Inc. (Bendix) Model J and developed this as the Gyrodyne GCA-2 (N74101). The GCA-2, an all-metal helicopter, had a coaxial twin rotor layout, with a five-seat cabin and a rounded fuselage with twin fins. It was subsequently modified to become the GCA-2A “Helidyne”, with twin 100hp Continental auxiliary engines mounted externally on strutted outriggers to give additional forward speed. It flew in this form on 30 November 1949.
A further development of the GCA-2, serial number N6594K, first flew on April 25, 1952 piloted by Jim Ryan as the GCA-2C. Convertible to an ambulance with three litters.
GCA-2C
Engine: 1 x P&W R-985-134, 450hp
Rotors: 2x 2 blade co-axial
Rotor diameter: 14.64m / 48 ft
Height: 14 ft 4 in
Fuselage length: 21 ft 6.5 in
Empty weight: 3800 lb
Loaded weight: 5,750 lb
Max. speed: 140km/h / 87 mph
Cruising speed: 110km/h / 70 mph
ROC: 1030 fpm
Ceiling: 9,200 ft
Typical range: 250 miles at 69 mph with full load
Number of seats: 6-8
Gyrodyne Co of America Inc
Known originally as P. C. Helicopter Corporation, the Gyrodyne Company was incorporated in New York in August 1946 for the development of advanced rotary-wing aircraft. Bought a five-seat coaxial design from defunct Helicopters Inc., and developed it into the G.C.A.2. Projected G.C.A.7 Helidyne with stub wings and two engines with pusher propellers mounted above wings. One-man portable helicopter, XRON-1 Rotocycle, developed for U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics in mid-1950s, plus some ground-cushion vehicles.
Gyro Motor Duplex L
The 1914 Gyro Motor Co Duplex L was a nine-cylinder air-cooled rotary aero engine producing 110hp@1200rpm from 858.82ci, with a dry weight of 270 lb.
Gyro Motor Duplex K
The 1914 Gyro Motor Co Duplex K was a seven-cylinder air-cooled rotary aero engine producing 90hp@1250rpm from 667.97ci, with a dry weight of 215 lb.
Gyro Motor Duplex J
The 1914 Gyro Motor Co Duplex J was a five-cylinder air-cooled rotary aero engine producing 50hp@1250rpm from 477.12ci, with a dry weight of 170lb.
Gyro Motor 1911 35hp
Designed by Fred Weinberg, the 1911 35hp was a five-cylinder air-cooled rotary aero engine.
