Autogyros are not commonly seen and are distinguished from helicopters, in that while they do have a rotary wing, unlike a helicopter, the autogyros rotary wing is unpowered. It swings freely, and its motion is due to the forward motion of the aircraft.
Juan de la Ciervas invention and development of the autogyro began in 1919. He progressed from failure (with his Model C-1 in 1920) to production (with his Model C.19) in ten years. His aircraft and his engineering, marketing and business skills attracted other people to the autogyro field. Together, the pioneers laid the foundation to todays rotorcraft industry.
At first glance, autogyro looks like a helicopter, with a huge multi-bladed rotor situated above the fuselage. In moving ahead, the main rotor turned, so that its long thin airfoil blades provided lift, with some assistance from the shortened wings. The autogyro could not start or land vertically, nor could it hover, but its abbreviated landing and takeoff runs were dramatic, and proponents claimed that the aircraft minimized dangerous stalls. Some writers of the era envisioned the autogyro as a replacement for the family sedan.
They were very popular in the 1930s and the design features of helicopters, save for the anti-torque tail rotor, were all pioneered with the autogyro. Successful autogyros were produced in England and by several companies in the U. S., with Pitcairn being the most notable manufacturer. In the 1930s autogyro technology was rapidly advancing and its safety and utility were being demonstrated and accepted. Mail carrying autogyros operated from the top of the Philadelphia Post Office. Four- and five-passenger autogyros were being produced as well as smaller ones.
The autogyro industry in 1930. and 40., developed some 46 aircraft types and delivered about 450 rotorcraft. The aircrafts safety record was easily 5 times better than general aviation experience over the 25 year period. From a business point of view, our pioneers (a) created a flying machine other than an airplane, (b) acquainted the public with the aircraft and (c) pursued a vigorous product improvement program.