www.PSFmagazine.com | January/February 2021 | 35 34 | January/February 2021 | Powered Sport Flying SEE WHAT’S NEWAT SPORT COPTER! 34012 Skyway Dr Scappoose, OR 97056 (503)543-7000 information@sportcopter.com www.sportcopter.com Press Pass Rotorvox C22A The Gyroplane as a Working Aircraft For a long time, gyroplanes have had to be content to have only a recreational role when it came to the development of aviation. But since the beginning of this millennium at the latest, the gyroplane has gained in importance. Initially only used in the leisure sector, they have begun to be recognized for professional purposes. Now the German manufacturer GGC GmbH is increasing the operational use of gyroplanes with its Rotorvox C22A. In many areas, such as surveillance and emergency rescue, there seems to be a growing interest in eVTOL aircraft as the cost-effective alternative to conventional helicopters. But the development and certification of eVTOL aircraft will probably take years and it will be a while before they are ready for practical use. Yet there have been other options for years, emphasizes the German entrepreneur, Sven Lindig. “We firmly believe that there is a large market for commercial and professional applications of gyroplanes,” says Jens-Uwe Eras, the new CEO of the Lindig Group, which also includes GGC GmbH. The company in Eisenbach, Germany believes that it has solved the problem of insufficient space and the lack of protection from bad weather in gyroplanes. Not only does the Rotorvox have two comfortable seats next to each other, but thanks to its glass cockpit, it also offers excellent visibility similar to a helicopter. There’s also a large loading capacity, since the hull is made from light-weight composite materials. Although gyroplanes remind people of small helicopters because of their rotor, they are much simpler in their technology and place lower demands on piloting skills, which means considerably lower production and operating costs. “Due to the lower complexity of production, operation and maintenance, the costs for gyroplanes are only about 10% to 20% of the costs of a helicopter,” said Jens-Uwe Eras. However, one disadvantage of gyroplanes cannot be disputed: In contrast to helicopters, gyros are dependent on a runway, however short. Sven Lindig frankly admits that a gyroplane cannot replace a helicopter in all areas. Still, gyros could do many of the tasks that helicopters are currently doing at a lower cost. For example, the French railway company (sncf) uses gyroplanes equipped with special cameras for route control. The Rotorvox’s cockpit is also large enough to conveniently install a stretcher in place of the passenger seat–to name just a few examples. In short: the gyroplane, the underestimated workhorse. Rotorvox is currently not building gyroplanes. They are in the process to qualify a potential buyer for their intellectual property and assets. Learn more at rotorvox.com. The Gyroplane from Rotorvox as a medical ambulance. Due to the large cabin, a stretcher can be placed in it, making it possible for injured people be transported. A camera gimbal , a new EASA proposal, could become a game changer for professional gyroplanes.
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