1931 Pitcairn-Cierva Autogiro
THF2996 / 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
Place of Creation
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.
Keywords |
|---|
02
Related Content
SetRotary-Wing Aircraft
- 5 Artifacts
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!
SetPitcairn Autogiro: Making News while Breaking News
- 26 Artifacts
The Detroit News operated an autogiro from 1931 to 1933. The novel aircraft carried a large, swiveling camera to take aerial photos of newsworthy events and transported reporters for quickly developing stories. However, it ultimately proved more useful as an advertisement for the paper. The autogiro made over 700 flights before it was donated to Henry Ford's museum in Dearborn.- Set
Featured on The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation: Season 10
- 18 Artifacts
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!