1931 Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro
Add to SetSummary
Like an airplane, the autogiro is moved by an engine-powered propeller, but like a helicopter, lift is provided by a rotor. The rotor is not powered, and while the aircraft can land vertically, it cannot take off vertically. The Detroit News purchased this autogiro to gather news. The novel aircraft probably was better at making news!
Like an airplane, the autogiro is moved by an engine-powered propeller, but like a helicopter, lift is provided by a rotor. The rotor is not powered, and while the aircraft can land vertically, it cannot take off vertically. The Detroit News purchased this autogiro to gather news. The novel aircraft probably was better at making news!
Artifact
Autogiro
Date Made
1931
Creators
Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro Company
Place of Creation
United States, Pennsylvania, Willow Grove
Creator Notes
Designed by Juan de la Cierva and manufactured by the Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro Company, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Heroes of the Sky
Object ID
34.278.1
Material
Metal
Cloth
Color
Cream (Color)
Red
Dimensions
Height: 13.417 ft
Width: 30.083 ft
Length: 23 ft
Inscriptions
On sides: NO. 2 / THE DETROIT NEWS On tail: W W J NC 799W / PITCAIRN/AUTOGIRO / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / BUILT BY / PITCAIRN AIRCRAFT, INC. / WILLOW GROVE / PENNA.