The autogyro is a unique aircraft with the truly melodious name Kallithea for this model. It’s very similar to a helicopter, which is why it’s so interesting to us.

It has its own characteristics, advantages, and differences from a helicopter, and we’d like to introduce you to it.

So, the most important question: how does it fly? We already know that a helicopter rises into the sky using its engine, which transmits force to the main rotor. But in this case, the situation is slightly different. The pusher propeller plays a crucial role, propelling the autogyro.

Due to horizontal acceleration, the force of the oncoming airflow increases, which sets the main rotor in motion, creating lift. This lift acts on the rotor blades in exactly the same way as with a helicopter.

Unlike an airplane, an gyrocopter requires a minimal takeoff run, sometimes just a few meters or even a standing start. This type of takeoff, as close to vertical as possible, is called a jump takeoff. The aircraft literally leaps 5-20 meters into the air from a standing start and continues its flight.

This takeoff is made possible by the Pre-rotator, a mechanism that allows the engine to spin the rotor before the takeoff roll begins.

Flying an autogyro can be compared to flying a helicopter in autorotation mode, where the oncoming airflow sets the blades in motion. The pusher propeller generates speed, while the main propeller allows for climb, descent, and maneuvering.

An gyroplane can fly at low speeds and decelerate to 40-50 km/h using the rotor’s inertia. However, it cannot hover like a helicopter, turn, descend, or climb around its vertical axis, but it cannot yaw left or right or move backward.

The aircraft is equipped with standard avionics, sensors, and systems for monitoring engine performance, oil temperature and pressure, etc. Modern or more advanced models feature cruise control to maintain consistent engine thrust, an autopilot to maintain course and altitude, and additional safety systems.

The design makes extensive use of composite materials, most cabins feature panoramic windows, a relatively low maximum takeoff weight, and is fuel-efficient and significantly lower fuel consumption than the Robinson 22 helicopter with similar passenger capacity.

The autogyro creates a pleasing visual impression, looks modern, technologically advanced, and is quite beautiful and stylish!

Who knows, perhaps we’ll one day see autogyro sightseeing flights on our website 😉

14 MARCH 2026