Autogiro: Rotary Wings Before the Helicopter - Hardcover

"...an outstanding contribution to Aviation History ...the most substantive reference work extant on this most fascinating of aircraft..."--Aviation News "Every machine you have ever heard of and many you haven't can be found in these pages...With all this information and hundreds of excellent photographs I doubt that this book will ever be surpassed..."--Military Aircraft Monthly "...exceptionally useful for the casual reader and serious scholar....an essential addition to the understanding of this unique aviation niche."--Rotocraft "...a truly magnificent work by a man who is arguably Britain's leading aviation historian."--VAC Magazine

A comprehensive history of the autogiro, covering all the aircraft and their designers. Includes full details of the aerodynamic features of the autogiro in its many forms, and the design constraints and problems encountered in development. The role(s) of the autogiro, in theory and practice, are described and the potential for future development discussed. Complete listing of autogiro constructors and their products, world-wide. Illustrated with photos, many rare and unpublished, and 3-view drawings of all significant autogiros, plus contemporary illustrations and adverts. Brief author biog./credentials: Arthur Ord-Hume is an aviation historian of great repute, having published major books on British light- and civil aircraft amongst his many works. A pilot, historian, enthusiast and aviation advocate, he has amassed an unmatched collection of photos, drawings, illustrations and ephemera over 60+ years. He was awarded the Prestigious Royal Aero Club Award in May 2014.