According to CCTV News, today, China’s first forward-designed autogyroplane successfully made its first flight in Yantai. This marks that my country has made up for the shortcomings of light autogyroplanes and achieved a breakthrough in independent research and development of core technologies and the construction of a standardized airworthiness system.
It was reported that previously, similar domestic products were mostly imported models through foreign agents or authorization.
During its first flight, the aircraft’s cumulative flight time exceeded 38 minutes. The aircraft’s attitude was stable, its control was precise, and core systems such as power, rotor, avionics, and flight control were operating stably. All performance indicators met design and airworthiness certification expectations.
It is understood that the model for the first flight is a two-seater manned light sports aircraft under forward development. It has high safety and can rely on the rotor rotation to fall smoothly even if the engine stops in the air.
It also has the advantages of ultra-short takeoff and landing, low altitude and low speed flight stability.
The so-called forward development, refers to independent research and development and system optimization of the entire process from performance requirements, aerodynamic design, structural strength to flight control system. It is an original design that fully masters the core technology, rather than a simple imitation of appearance.
The successful first flight also means that my country has taken a further step towards the autonomy of low-altitude aviation equipment.
Data show that an autogyro is an aircraft between a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. It is equipped with a large rotor similar to that of a helicopter on the top. However, the rotor is not directly driven by the engine, but relies on the head-on airflow during flight to rotate and generate lift.
