From Autogiro to Gyroplane - by Bruce H Charnov (Hardcover)

About the Book

Predating the invention of the helicopter by two decades, the Autogiro was the world's first rotary-wing aircraft. The helicopter had the advantageous ability to rise straight up, while the Autogiro/gyroplane could only taxi. Yet the gyroplane was safer and more stable; both aircraft should have had value in market. Why did the helicopter survive and prosper, while the Autogiro became a nearly forgotten historical footnote? Why didn't the Autogiro catch on, and why is it being revived today?

This is the first book to tell the fascinating 80-year history of today's gyroplane and its antecedent, the Autogiro. Charnov explains that the near-eclipse of the Autogiro was caused by a potent combination of bad luck, the impact of the Great Depression and World War II, and egregious business decisions. Only by understanding the amazing manner in which this aviation technology has persisted and evolved can one fully understand the basis for its future. In contrast to the fate of the Autogiro, the gyroplane's unfolding story is characterized by successful business models, effective decision making, and the emergence of cutting-edge technology. The survival of the gyroplane may be a paradigm for the persistence of earlier, less complex technologies, and its future relies on grasping its colorful history.

Book Synopsis

Predating the invention of the helicopter by two decades, the Autogiro was the world's first rotary-wing aircraft. The helicopter had the advantageous ability to rise straight up, while the Autogiro/gyroplane could only taxi. Yet the gyroplane was safer and more stable; both aircraft should have had value in market. Why did the helicopter survive and prosper, while the Autogiro became a nearly forgotten historical footnote? Why didn't the Autogiro catch on, and why is it being revived today?

This is the first book to tell the fascinating 80-year history of today's gyroplane and its antecedent, the Autogiro. Charnov explains that the near-eclipse of the Autogiro was caused by a potent combination of bad luck, the impact of the Great Depression and World War II, and egregious business decisions. Only by understanding the amazing manner in which this aviation technology has persisted and evolved can one fully understand the basis for its future. In contrast to the fate of the Autogiro, the gyroplane's unfolding story is characterized by successful business models, effective decision making, and the emergence of cutting-edge technology. The survival of the gyroplane may be a paradigm for the persistence of earlier, less complex technologies, and its future relies on grasping its colorful history.

Review Quotes

"Bruce Charnov has written an exceptional book, and the first to tell in detail the quite extraordinary story of 80-years of autorotational flight. It should prove to be a valuable reference resource for many years to come."-British Rotorcraft Association Members' Magazine

"Bruce Charnov's book is the first book to relate the full history of this remarkable mode of aerial transport. It is well-researched and never dull."-International Autogyro Quarterly

"Bruce's book will become "the bible" for autogiro/autogyro/gyroplane historians and will see no equal for decades....[t]his book delivers to the last cent."-Navigator

?Bruce Charnov has written an exceptional book, and the first to tell in detail the quite extraordinary story of 80-years of autorotational flight. It should prove to be a valuable reference resource for many years to come.?-British Rotorcraft Association Members' Magazine

?Bruce Charnov's book is the first book to relate the full history of this remarkable mode of aerial transport. It is well-researched and never dull.?-International Autogyro Quarterly

?[p]rovides an excellent reference work on the afterlife of Cierva's rotary-wing principle, especially its 26-page bibliography of books, articles and films.?-Air Power History

?[A] great read....Bruce Charnov's enthusiasm for his topic leaps from the pages....This book is a great piece of work, may it be a huge success.?-Wisconsin Bookwatch

?[S]uperbly lays out the entire and intriguing 80-year history of rotary-wing aircraft....From Autogiro to Gyroplane deftly and comprehensively examines the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II upon these motorized aircrafts, as well as the simply bad business decisions, and the lessons that the fate and persistence of the gyroplane has for other old, long lasting, yet ultimately fully functional technologies. From Autogiro to Gyroplane is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library aviation History collections.?-Internet BookWatch

?[T]his is the first comprehensive historical survey embracing both the Autogiro and the gyroplane, its closest modern counterpart. It is a comprehensive, well-referenced and well-indexed volume....If you feel you need just one good book on the subject, this is surely it.?-Wingspan International, Number 22

?Bruce's book will become "the bible" for autogiro/autogyro/gyroplane historians and will see no equal for decades....[t]his book delivers to the last cent.?-Navigator

?It is thoroughly researched, well illustrated, and provides a wealth of references for the interested reader to follow up. The fluent writing style sets this book apart from academic peers in related fields-it is great read....This book is great piece of work.?-Members Magazine

?Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through faculty.?-Choice

?The book is a history demonstrating academic rigour while providing a good read. The literature researched and presented is exhaustive and should provide further scope for study. The bibliography and the 'Essential Library' are truly impressive.The book is impressive.?-Aerospace Professional

"Ýp¨rovides an excellent reference work on the afterlife of Cierva's rotary-wing principle, especially its 26-page bibliography of books, articles and films."-Air Power History

"ÝA¨ great read....Bruce Charnov's enthusiasm for his topic leaps from the pages....This book is a great piece of work, may it be a huge success."-Wisconsin Bookwatch

"ÝS¨uperbly lays out the entire and intriguing 80-year history of rotary-wing aircraft....From Autogiro to Gyroplane deftly and comprehensively examines the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II upon these motorized aircrafts, as well as the simply bad business decisions, and the lessons that the fate and persistence of the gyroplane has for other old, long lasting, yet ultimately fully functional technologies. From Autogiro to Gyroplane is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library aviation History collections."-Internet BookWatch

"ÝT¨his is the first comprehensive historical survey embracing both the Autogiro and the gyroplane, its closest modern counterpart. It is a comprehensive, well-referenced and well-indexed volume....If you feel you need just one good book on the subject, this is surely it."-Wingspan International, Number 22

"[p]rovides an excellent reference work on the afterlife of Cierva's rotary-wing principle, especially its 26-page bibliography of books, articles and films."-Air Power History

"[A] great read....Bruce Charnov's enthusiasm for his topic leaps from the pages....This book is a great piece of work, may it be a huge success."-Wisconsin Bookwatch

"[T]his is the first comprehensive historical survey embracing both the Autogiro and the gyroplane, its closest modern counterpart. It is a comprehensive, well-referenced and well-indexed volume....If you feel you need just one good book on the subject, this is surely it."-Wingspan International, Number 22

"It is thoroughly researched, well illustrated, and provides a wealth of references for the interested reader to follow up. The fluent writing style sets this book apart from academic peers in related fields-it is great read....This book is great piece of work."-Members Magazine

"Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through faculty."-Choice

"The book is a history demonstrating academic rigour while providing a good read. The literature researched and presented is exhaustive and should provide further scope for study. The bibliography and the 'Essential Library' are truly impressive.The book is impressive."-Aerospace Professional

"[S]uperbly lays out the entire and intriguing 80-year history of rotary-wing aircraft....From Autogiro to Gyroplane deftly and comprehensively examines the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II upon these motorized aircrafts, as well as the simply bad business decisions, and the lessons that the fate and persistence of the gyroplane has for other old, long lasting, yet ultimately fully functional technologies. From Autogiro to Gyroplane is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library aviation History collections."-Internet BookWatch

About the Author

BRUCE H. CHARNOV is Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Management, Entrepreneurship and General Business Department of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, New York.