Log for the Detroit News No. 2 Autogiro, 1931-1933

THF285311 / Log for the Detroit News No. 2 Autogiro, 1931-1933 / front cover
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Artifact Overview

Airplanes require careful monitoring and maintenance, and each flight must be thoroughly documented in a logbook. This log, for the autogiro operated by the Detroit News, records information like takeoff and landing times, flight locations, miles traveled, and fuel consumption. Additionally, the autogiro's overall flight and engine operation hours are noted in a running total after each trip.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Log (Record)

Date Made

1931-1933

Subject Date

1931-1933

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

34.278.2

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 14.5 in
Width: 18.75 in
Thickness: 3.25 in

Inscriptions

on front: LOG OF THE DETROIT NEWS No. 2 Autogiro NC-799-W Engine -12496
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    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!
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    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.