Flight Mechanics of Gyroplanes. Internal report no. 9317

Houston, S.S. (1993) Flight Mechanics of Gyroplanes. Internal report no. 9317. Technical Report. Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow.

[img]
Preview
Text (scanned version of the original print report)
185045.pdf - Published Version

30MB

Abstract

The class of aircraft known as gyroplanes (or autogyros) helped to pave the way for the development of the helicopter. However, they have found no application in contemporary commercial or military aviation. It is in recreational or sport flying that the gyroplane has proved popular. Most if not all designs are however homebuilts, and as a consequence little analysis of any significance has been conducted on the flight mechanics of these aircraft. This Paper presents the application of a sophisticated generic rotorcraft mathematical model to the gyroplane problem, to analyse the trim, stability and controllability of these aircraft. It is concluded that, except for longitudinal trim, the basic flight mechanics of the gyroplane are like those of the helicopter, with lightly damped rigid-body modes, extensive coupling and non-linearity in the response to control inputs. The rotorspeed degree of freedom must also be included in modelling the aircraft.

Item Type:Research Reports or Papers (Technical Report)
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Houston, Dr Stewart
Authors: Houston, S.S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
Publisher:Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 1993 Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow
Publisher Policy:Reproduced with the permission of the Department

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record