On
the left, is the XRON Rotorcycle of 1955.....
On the right, is the XRON Rotorcycle of today.....
After 52 years and still flying !
In 1955, it appeared that the Rotorcycle
was where the Gyrodyne Helicopter Company was heading. Certainly the military
was interested- take a look at the photo below! It seemed that for a
small reconnaissance helicopter, the Rotorcycle had become the answer to so many
missions. However, it was not to be. The Navy, which had financed its'
development, wanted to use the constant-torque neutralized XRON airframe, not for
manned use, but as the QH-50A drone to fly
unmanned and deliver a
torpedo in any sea state, in any weather at any time of day, with the
controlling pilot safe on board the launching destroyer.
The Story of the Gyrodyne Helicopter
Company would not be complete without the following historical narrative on the
XRON Rotorcycle. So click on a button below and read about the first
developmental aircraft ever used that pioneered the use of tip brakes for
coaxial rotor yaw control, in the world. Enjoy!
