Surfaces
Direct Control—The capacity for
the pilot to maneuver the aircraft
by tilting the rotor disc and, on
some gyroplanes, affect changes in
pitch to the rotor blades. These
equate to cyclic and collective control,
which were not available in
earlier autogyros.
Unload—To reduce the component
of weight supported by the
rotor system.
Prerotate—Spinning a gyroplane
rotor to sufficient r.p.m. prior to
flight.
the welded tube structure, which has been in use for a
number of years.
POWERPLANT
The powerplant provides the thrust necessary for forward
flight, and is independent of the rotor system while in
flight. While on the ground, the engine may be used as
a source of power to prerotate the rotor system. Over
the many years of gyroplane development, a wide
variety of engine types have been adapted to the gyroplane.
Automotive, marine, ATV, and certificated
aircraft engines have all been used in various
gyroplane designs. Certificated gyroplanes are
required to use FAA certificated engines. The cost of a
new certificated aircraft engine is greater than the cost
of nearly any other new engine. This added cost is the
primary reason other types of engines are selected for
use in amateur built gyroplanes.
ROTOR SYSTEM
The rotor system provides lift and control for the gyroplane.
The fully articulated and semi-rigid teetering
rotor systems are the most common. These are
explained in-depth in Chapter 5—Main Rotor System.
The teeter blade with hub tilt control is most common
in homebuilt gyroplanes. This system may also employ
a collective control to change the pitch of the rotor
blades. With sufficient blade inertia and collective
pitch change, jump takeoffs can be accomplished.
TAIL SURFACES
The tail surfaces provide stability and control in the pitch
and yaw axes. These tail surfaces are similar to an airplane
empennage and may be comprised of a fin and
rudder, stabilizer and elevator. An aft mounted duct
enclosing the propeller and rudder has also been used.
Many gyroplanes do not incorporate a horizontal tail
surface.
On some gyroplanes, especially those with an enclosed
cockpit, the yaw stability is marginal due to the large
fuselage side area located ahead of the center of gravity.
The additional vertical tail surface necessary to
compensate for this instability is difficult to achieve as
the confines of the rotor tilt and high landing pitch attitude
limits the available area. Some gyroplane designs
incorporate multiple vertical stabilizers and rudders to
add additional yaw stability.
Figure 15-2. Gyroplanes typically consist of five major components.
A sixth, the wing, is utilized on some designs.
15-3
LANDING GEAR
The landing gear provides the mobility while on the
ground and may be either conventional or tricycle.
Conventional gear consists of two main wheels, and one
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