autogyros

Welcome to the world of model Autogyros!

R/C Autogyros are becoming more popular as modelers look for an alternative to fixed wing flight. While some plans and kits were available, choices have been somewhat limited. That has changed.

Two levels of kits are now being offered: The entry-level PT series of autogyros by FlyingBalsa, and for the more advanced flyer, Mickey Nowell’s GT17, G3PO and BEGi.

The easy to build and fly autogyros being kitted by FlyingBalsa are the PT Gyro series. The "PT" stands for Primary Trainer, which is why they make a great entry-level model. They all feature a DC (Direct Control) rotor head. PT Gyros are very popular and are flying all over the world. There are always several PT Gyros at the annual autogyro flyins. They continue to impress us not only with great flying characteristics, but also with the ROG takeoffs that look effortless. FlyingBalsa’s kits include AeroBalsa RotorBlade Airfoils™.

Click here to see the complete line of PT Gyro kits.

If you’re looking for a neat two-bladed electric autogyro, look no further. Mickey Nowell produces model autogyro kits that utilize rotor heads from model helicopters.

The first is a conversion kit for the GWS PT17 model airplane. His autogyro version is dubbed the GT17. According to Mickey, it’s a really docile, nice-handling machine. It really looks great, too… kind of resembles a Kellet. He also kits two slick original-design autogyros called the G3PO and the BEGi. Both feature a carbon fiber tube frame. The G3PO is a tractor style with the motor and prop up front, while the BEGi (Backward Engine Giro) is a pusher with the motor and prop in the back. In the hands of an experienced R/C flier, Mickey’s autogyros are excellent performers due to the superior control offered by the heli head. The heli rotor heads are of the fixed-pitch type, so individual blade pitch is ground adjustable.

A really cool option Mickey offers is the prerotator kit that fits all his autogyro kits. A small brushed motor mounted under the rotor head makes it possible to pre-spin the rotor prior to takeoff so that takeoff rolls are easily less than 10 feet. Cool!

Click here to see the complete line of Mickey Nowell’s Autogyro kits.

Attention plans builders! Have we got the perfect autogyro for you! The DAG-1 is a fine autogyro model that looks great and flies very well. It features a DC head (Direct Control) and can be set up with either glow or electric power. The classic lines of the built up fuse are sure to please any modeler. The DAG-1 is a straight-forward build... nothing too complicated for the average builder. Please click here for more info.

In addition to the plans for the DAG-1, we also offer plans for 5 classic autogyro models that were formerly offered on Jim Baxter’s autogyro.com website. Check it out here.

Aerobalsa is excited to share three more great pusher Autogyro designs featuring Direct Control rotor heads. The first two are the Minimum series by Jochen K. from Germany: Version 2 is a three-blade design, and Version 4 is a two-blade design. Jochen has done a great job with these designs. They both fly very well and feature our 2" RotorBlade Aifoils (item #20224RB). We have the plans, instructions and pictures available for download, and videos to watch below.

Minimum v 2			Minimum v 4
Instructions	Plans	Pics	Instructions	Plans	Pics

Minimum v 2 and v 4 videos coming soon!

The third design is called the XPG by Dan Schwartz of FoamFly.com. It's available as a kit from his website. All the parts are CNC cut for precise fit, so it goes together really well. The XPG features our 2" RotorBlade Aifoils (item #20224RB). An awesome video of the XPG in action and how well it flies is COMING SOON.

A great source for learning and asking questions about R/C Autogyros is the Autogyro forum on R/C Universe and R/C Groups. After clicking on either link, scroll down to the R/C Helicopter heading to find the Autogyros forum.

Speaking of R/C Groups, Mickey Nowell authored a FAQ post that is definitely worth reading. It covers much of the basic info that any beginner could ask. Click here for that post.

If you want to learn a ton of stuff about autogyros, go to Jim Baxter's autogyro.com website here. I think many Gyronuts would agree that Jim’s website is a valuable resource on the subject. Jim helped us kick-start our business by creating a web page on his site that features our airfoils. Check it out here. On that page you'll see Jim's tips for finishing the blades which shows carbon fiber strips being applied top and bottom on the rotor blades. While CF strips may be advantageous on larger, heavier autogyros, we’ve found it’s not necessary on the smaller, lighter gyros such as those built from the kits and plans mentioned above.

For rotorblade finishing tips, please visit our how-to page here.

In addition to the topics listed above, Jim's site also includes information on designing and building these auto-rotating birds – not to mention tips for flying them. For the beginner or advanced R/C Autogyro modeler, the site has much of the info you need to get your model ready for flight.

If you want to see model autogyros first hand, have a fetish for autorotation, or if you just like hanging around with Gyronuts, you need to mark your calendar for the next Autogyro Flyin event. Click here to see a schedule. Many Autogyro Flyin events have take place over the years. Click here to see pictures from past events.

If you’re new to autogyros we hope this information has sparked your interest to pursue it further. It’s a fun and challenging facet of radio control modeling that can’t be beat! Many of the experienced Gyronuts are ready to provide help and advice. There’s something about the first time you experience autorotation that just gets you hooked!

[back to the top]