How is the rotor made to turn in a helicopter and in an autogyro?

Question

Basiclly, how the rotors in a helicopter and autogyro are powered to turn. This is to help me for gcse physics so not too complicated please!

Answer 1

In a helicopter the rotor is driven by the engine, in an autogyro the rotor is driven by the forward motion of the aircraft itself. The Autogyro has a separate engine driven propeller to provide the forward motion like a fixed wing aircraft does.

Answer 2

In a helicopter the rotors are driven from a engine via a gearbox and a complicated rotor hub that allows some independent movement of the blades while controlling the pitch (ie the angle they meet the air) as they rotate. This enables the rotor for example to generate more lift at the rear to initiate forward motion. Some means, a tail rotor, contrarotating twin rotors or directed turbine exhaust is used to balance the torque and prevent the whole thing spinning

An Autogyro will often have a geared connection to spin the rotor while on the ground. This is then disconnected and as the propeller (often rear mounted...see Little Nellie in You only Live twice) moves the craft forwards the rotor blades "glide" in circles generating enough lift to support the craft. The rotor hub has some flexibility to cater for imbalance and is simply swivelled l-r and front to back to aid control.

Answer 3

Hornchurch is correct, he's just made a clerical error. The explanation in his first paragraph relates to a gyro copter, not an helicopter.



A gyrocopter's main rotor is only powered by forward motion, it is not connected to any motor, that only powers the rear mounted propellor.

Answer 4

helicopter the motor

autogyro forward motion gets the blade to turn causing lift

Answer 5

on a helicopter teh blades are turned by air passing over them as it travels in a forward direction. hence it cannot hover and needs a certain speed to get lift. the blades are angled and act like a sycamore leaf when it falls to floor. this 'spins' and lets leaf descend using air pressure at it rotates to slow fall.

helicopter blades are powered and blades can be angles to achieve 'lift' or descent .hence hover is possible though known as unstable in hover position ( natural unbalance) and that is hardest part to learn when becoming a helicopter pilot.

try looking up using search engine 'how it works' etc to get more info and possible audio and visual images and film. plus more detailed info to refer to.