Thomas,
I understand your reaction. I guess you are picturing some of the current amateur, kit-built autogiro contraptions along side shiny new EC135's or A109's. That is certainly not what I meant and in that sense, of coarse my point doesn't stand up! However, if you look in detail at the aerodynamics of autogiros and the flight dynamics of autogiros then there are real benefits over conventional helicopters. The real problem is that in trying to harness all of these benefits you end up with a machine that is just as complex as a helicopter. This is the real problem because I just don't think that is worth it. If we are going to start looking to different configurations to make 'better' (read: faster, quieter & more cost effective) helicopters then I think the most fruitful approach is to look properly at co-axials and inter-meshers.
[Enter Dave, front-stage-left, on horseback, racing to the rescue...
]
In reality I think that gyro's will only ever be 'fun' aircraft for the recreational enthusiast, for the reasons we have all discussed before.
Hope this helps
CRAN
