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From Autogiro to Gyroplane The Amazing Survival of an Aviation Technology
Bruce H. Charnov
ISBN: 1-56720-503-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-56720-503-9
416 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 7/30/2003
List Price: $60.95 (UK Sterling Price: £42.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: Predating the invention of the helicopter by two decades, the Autogiro was the world's first rotary-wing aircraft. The helicopter had the advantageous ability to rise straight up, while the Autogiro/gyroplane could only taxi. Yet the gyroplane was safer and more stable; both aircraft should have had value in market. Why did the helicopter survive and prosper, while the Autogiro became a nearly forgotten historical footnote? Why didn't the Autogiro catch on, and why is it being revived today?

This is the first book to tell the fascinating 80-year history of today's gyroplane and its antecedent, the Autogiro. Charnov explains that the near-eclipse of the Autogiro was caused by a potent combination of bad luck, the impact of the Great Depression and World War II, and egregious business decisions. Only by understanding the amazing manner in which this aviation technology has persisted and evolved can one fully understand the basis for its future. In contrast to the fate of the Autogiro, the gyroplane's unfolding story is characterized by successful business models, effective decision making, and the emergence of cutting-edge technology. The survival of the gyroplane may be a paradigm for the persistence of earlier, less complex technologies, and its future relies on grasping its colorful history.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface
    Introduction
    Juan de la Cierva
    Cierva's Auutogiro
    Cierva and Harold F. Pitcairn
    Pitcairn and American Autogiro Development
    Development of the Direct-Control Autogiro
    American Advances, the C.30A Autogiro, and Cierva's Death
    Pitcairn After Cierva
    Pitcairn, the Kellett Brothers and the Coming of War
    The Autogiro Goes to War: The Allies
    The Autogiro Goes to War: The Axis
    Igor Bensen and the Development of the Gyrocopter
    Bensen, Tervamäki, Growth of the PRA and the Fairey Rotodyne
    Failure to Revive the Autogiro: Fairey Rotodyne, Umbaugh (Air and Space) 18A, Avian 2/180 and McCulloch J-2
    Transformation of the PRA: Ken Brock, Martin Hollmann and the Ultralight Revolution
    The Emerging Gyroplane Future
    Bibliography
About the Author: BRUCE H. CHARNOV is Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Management, Entrepreneurship and General Business Department of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, New York.
LCC Class: 629
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