1931 Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Autogiro

Date Made

1931

Creator Notes

Designed by Juan de la Cierva and manufactured by the Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro Company, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

Location

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.
1931 Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro