I think you are wrong... How would an autogyro
glider work if it can't produce forward thrust? I know they were originally designed to be towed up but they can glide if the rope is cut.
http://home.wanadoo.nl/jackjanssen/gyroglid.htm Quote: It seems like flying a thermal with the gyroglider is somewhat smoother than with a hang glider, probably due to the higher air speed, that makes turbulences of less impact. Of course at lot remains to be learnt. Presently I'm investigating the planes limits in steep turns and spiral dives and I have to think really hard of a way to throw the emergency chute.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/aero.../benson_b6.htm Benson B-6 Gyroglider
http://avia.russian.ee/vertigo/hafner_rotachute-r.html Hafner "Rotachute"
