China's First Forward-Designed Autorotative Gyrocopter Successfully Completes First Flight

The report stated that previously, similar domestic products were mostly foreign agency or licensed introduction models.

During the first flight, the aircraft accumulated a flight time of more than 38 minutes, with stable aircraft attitude and precise control. The core systems, including power, rotor, avionics, and flight control, operated stably, and all performance indicators met the design and airworthiness certification expectations.

It is understood that the aircraft that completed the first flight is a two-seat manned light sport aircraft developed through forward research, with high safety. Even if the engine stops in the air, it can rely on rotor autorotation to descend smoothly.

It also has the advantages of ultra-short-distance takeoff and landing, and strong low-altitude, low-speed flight stability.

So-called forward research refers to the independent research and development, systematic optimization of the entire process from performance requirements, aerodynamic design, structural strength to flight control system, which is an original design that completely masters core technologies, rather than simple external imitation.

This successful first flight also means that China has taken another step forward on the road to the self-reliance of low-altitude aviation equipment.

Data shows that an autorotative gyrocopter is an aircraft between a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft, equipped with a large rotor similar to that of a helicopter on the top, but the rotor is not directly driven by the engine, but relies on the oncoming airflow during flight to rotate and generate lift.