What rotorcraft term describes a rotorcraft whose rotors are not engine-driven except for initial start, rotors spun by air when moving, with propulsion usually via conventional propellers independent of the rotor system?

What rotorcraft term describes a rotorcraft whose rotors are not engine-driven except for initial start, rotors spun by air when moving, with propulsion usually via conventional propellers independent of the rotor system?

• A. Gyrodyne
• B. Gyroplane
• C. Helicopter
• D. Instrument

Answer: (B)

This describes a gyroplane (autogyro): the rotor is not powered by the engine during flight, and it spins because of the air flowing through it as the aircraft moves forward. Lift comes from this autorotation of the rotor, while thrust is provided by a separate propeller driven by its own engine, independent of the rotor system. This setup is different from a helicopter, where the rotor is engine-driven for lift, and it’s the rotor itself that provides the propulsion needed to stay aloft.

This describes a gyroplane (autogyro): the rotor is not powered by the engine during flight, and it spins because of the air flowing through it as the aircraft moves forward. Lift comes from this autorotation of the rotor, while thrust is provided by a separate propeller driven by its own engine, independent of the rotor system. This setup is different from a helicopter, where the rotor is engine-driven for lift, and it’s the rotor itself that provides the propulsion needed to stay aloft.