What rotorcraft term refers to a rotorcraft whose rotors are normally engine-driven for takeoff, hovering, and landing, and whose propulsion usually consists of conventional propellers independent of the rotor system?

What rotorcraft term refers to a rotorcraft whose rotors are normally engine-driven for takeoff, hovering, and landing, and whose propulsion usually consists of conventional propellers independent of the rotor system?

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

Answer: (A)

Gyrodyne describes a rotorcraft that combines a lift rotor powered for vertical flight with a separate propulsion system for forward motion. The rotor provides lift during takeoff, hovering, and landing, while a conventional propeller, independent of the rotor, pushes the aircraft forward in cruise. This setup lets the aircraft achieve vertical control like a helicopter but use an efficient propeller-driven thrust for forward flight, rather than relying on the rotor to generate thrust in all phases. In contrast, a gyroplane (autogyro) relies on an unpowered rotor that autorotates in forward flight and uses a separate engine-driven propeller for forward thrust, not keeping the rotor engine-driven for takeoff or hover. A helicopter uses engine-driven rotor thrust for lift and propulsion throughout the flight, with forward speed produced by the rotor itself. A heliport is simply a landing area and has no bearing on rotorcraft type.

Gyrodyne describes a rotorcraft that combines a lift rotor powered for vertical flight with a separate propulsion system for forward motion. The rotor provides lift during takeoff, hovering, and landing, while a conventional propeller, independent of the rotor, pushes the aircraft forward in cruise. This setup lets the aircraft achieve vertical control like a helicopter but use an efficient propeller-driven thrust for forward flight, rather than relying on the rotor to generate thrust in all phases.

In contrast, a gyroplane (autogyro) relies on an unpowered rotor that autorotates in forward flight and uses a separate engine-driven propeller for forward thrust, not keeping the rotor engine-driven for takeoff or hover. A helicopter uses engine-driven rotor thrust for lift and propulsion throughout the flight, with forward speed produced by the rotor itself. A heliport is simply a landing area and has no bearing on rotorcraft type.