Decades ago, I was awed at OSH by this thing called a Synchrocopter. I was familiar with that configuration, because when I was in the USAF at Duluth, they had a Kaman H-43. I talked with Dick then. I ran onto this video accidentally and am very glad to see that he is still inventing and flying. The Synchrocopter is still the finest example of design and machining and all-around cleverness I've ever seen at OSH!
I am really impressed! A good man can achieve about anything if he has the right partner with great support like that. You two are my new heroes. Really like that jump gryo!
Gotta admire people like this....people who think of all kinds of weird and amazing shit and the go ahead and make it! Hats off to all "mad engineers" and machinists out there. I salute you! First a synchropter and now this. RESPECT!
Fascinating. What an amazing feat. Can’t believe I’ve only just seen this now. I have so many questions. The principle of action of a helicopter and an autogiro have one big difference. Whereas airflow is upward through an autogiro’s rotor disk, with the blades flying through this air to provide lift, a helicopter forces air downwards through the rotor, like a fan. I wish that the presenter had asked about that. How is the power split between rotor and propellor? Is it variable? What are the advantages, since it still can’t hover? Does it have a fully controllable collective, or is it an Off/Jump toggle? How about cyclic? And the little baby “Kaman”. I want to know more.
Wow. "I've always just fiddled around in the machine shop so I designed and built a unique, beautiful, and effective aircraft." That is pretty darned impressive.
...and we let design students graduate who never fabricated *anything* ever - but do get jobs in industry... I had the misfortune to oversee the work of some of those kids and I am amazed by the level ignorance this current approach of our universities is resulting in. Then again, the clashes between those poor design rookies and the engineers were priceless. Man, those kids could learn a lot from Dick's approach!
They said that the rotor always has a certain amount of power, so it's not like a regular gyrocopter. He's using rudder to compensate, so as long as he's moving forward he can cancel the torque. That's why it's a jump take off. He needs to start moving forward as soon as possible, after the take off.
Not necessarily. He's got enough thrust from the propeller. Judging by the pitch pins in the rotor head, and the Collective control lever in the cockpit, this vehicle is essentially a Helicopter. Which means, it has the potential to hover, either by facing into a strong wind, or tilting the Rotor head 'rearward' to compensate for forward thrust from the propeller. IMHO. :D
“I thought about building a flying carpet thing that could go over the fence, but then my friend mentioned that I could just build a whole helicopter, so that’s what I did”
Wow I like this and all it stands for.. This video is 8 years old, how do I contact Dick Degraw I want to learn so much more about building this kind of Jump Gyro Plane . The JGP . I really hope I can contact Dick Degraw soon.
Torque forces doest real exists here, but the rotor drive is disconnected before take off. The rotor (heawy for better inertial) is accelerated up to 500 or 600rpm with zero pitch,the rotor drive disconnected, up to take off pitch, and if the gyro is in the air, the propultion engine is set to full power , the normal pitch set as the gyro is fast ennough (over 40 kph)..
An engineer probably COULDN'T make it- Perhaps an 'engineering committee' could get the ball 'rolling'. While this might be NEWS to many, the FAA (as well as the true connoisseur) know how it all works- consequently the FAA has the '51%-rule' and FAR-103 I love that ❤️
How does the Gyrhino compensate torque forces? Dick refers at 2:35 to something about rudder but I can't understand cause I'm not english speaking native so it's just to difficult to listen to. Anyone can help me in writing what Dick says? Thank you.
The rotor is powered by the engine and oversped on the ground for "jump" take off. When in the air, the rotor rpm is reduced to normal for autogyro, but the engine is still powering it a bit (the clutch isn't disengaged), and because of the torque isn't high, it's controlled with the rudder.
If the engine is constantly connected to the rotor, then how can this craft be called a gyro plane. I thought the rotor was free rotating and it only connected to engine when in the pre take-off position.
I learned later that if the rotor pitch can be adjusted, then a Gyro can have the ability to so jump takeoffs at the pre take-off position. However, in my opinion, it would make the machine more complicated and more expensive, something that defeats the purpose of the aircraft. If you want to jump start, might as well get a helicopter.
'constant partial drive' that is paradoxical. It cannot be constant and partial simultaneously. My understanding is that the rotor has a mechanical, electrical or hydraulic connection from engine to rotor for pre-rotation. That is they begin the rotor rotation to about 200 RPMs, then it is disconnected and the Gyro is ready to take-off. In less sophisticated Gyros the rotor is manually pushed and then the runway speed moves them to the point they obtain lift - a longer runway run is required. Hope you intrigue has been satisfied.
Just a guess on my part but maybe Dick found a way to install a "slip-and-grip" clutch but re-engineered the clutch to be in constant engagement with a low force spring plate When the main rotor reaches jump take-off speed, he feathers the collective, gains altitude and forward motion from the pusher prop thrust. Now the relative wind will be supplying the majority of the spinning force into the rotor and the mismatch in speed of both sides of the clutch plate overcomes the clutch friction allowing the clutch to slip. What little torque force added to the system by the engine crank to the rotor shaft to create torque is overcome by tail rudder authority. Slip and Grip clutches are used in modern motorcycles to disengage the driven wheel from the drivetrain when there's a severe mismatch in engine RPM and wheel RPM during downshifts which can lead to bike instability and prematurely worn out rear tires.
What absolutely amazing guy? and with a supportive wive! well done to these wonderful people!!
Decades ago, I was awed at OSH by this thing called a Synchrocopter. I was familiar with that configuration, because when I was in the USAF at Duluth, they had a Kaman H-43. I talked with Dick then. I ran onto this video accidentally and am very glad to see that he is still inventing and flying.
The Synchrocopter is still the finest example of design and machining and all-around cleverness I've ever seen at OSH!
I am really impressed! A good man can achieve about anything if he has the right partner with great support like that. You two are my new heroes. Really like that jump gryo!
Gotta admire people like this....people who think of all kinds of weird and amazing shit and the go ahead and make it! Hats off to all "mad engineers" and machinists out there. I salute you! First a synchropter and now this. RESPECT!
Absolutely incredible skills...and all self taught! A work of genius.
Fascinating. What an amazing feat. Can’t believe I’ve only just seen this now.
I have so many questions.
The principle of action of a helicopter and an autogiro have one big difference. Whereas airflow is upward through an autogiro’s rotor disk, with the blades flying through this air to provide lift, a helicopter forces air downwards through the rotor, like a fan. I wish that the presenter had asked about that.
How is the power split between rotor and propellor? Is it variable? What are the advantages, since it still can’t hover? Does it have a fully controllable collective, or is it an Off/Jump toggle? How about cyclic?
And the little baby “Kaman”. I want to know more.
Wow. "I've always just fiddled around in the machine shop so I designed and built a unique, beautiful, and effective aircraft." That is pretty darned impressive.
Where can I see this incredible creation and meet the genius engineer and his wonderful wife? I was so amazed as an engineer myself. WOW!
most people cant change there own oil and this guy builds a totally new concept craft and excels
Still think of you almost daily Dick. 81 is a year of remembrance in my life. much respect. Bob Wilton
I'm amazed that the stresses imposed by the jump takeoff don't cause major airframe problems.
Amazing man!
...and we let design students graduate who never fabricated *anything* ever - but do get jobs in industry... I had the misfortune to oversee the work of some of those kids and I am amazed by the level ignorance this current approach of our universities is resulting in. Then again, the clashes between those poor design rookies and the engineers were priceless. Man, those kids could learn a lot from Dick's approach!
excellent pieces
Can't wait until we all have one of these instead of cars!
What awesome creations!
This guy is awesome…..would love to work with him, wow.
WOW wow wow ! incredible ! and so inspiring !
This is amazing he is a genius
Would love to have one
Awesome!! Does he sell the plans for the Gyrhino? What about that twin seater he was talking about developing?
Very nice
Congrats to lovely flying couple
Now its time to make a deep-intermeshed, twin rotor gyroplane for family sized loads (4-6 passengers)!
Do you have a plan to do this?
AMAZING TALENT!!!! Are you going to market them? Kits?? Thanks
what an amazing machine
It would be cool to have factory made 3 bladed rotors for other gyro models
God save all the flying men
very cool machines.
They said that the rotor always has a certain amount of power, so it's not like a regular gyrocopter. He's using rudder to compensate, so as long as he's moving forward he can cancel the torque. That's why it's a jump take off. He needs to start moving forward as soon as possible, after the take off.
Not necessarily. He's got enough thrust from the propeller. Judging by the pitch pins in the rotor head, and the Collective control lever in the cockpit, this vehicle is essentially a Helicopter. Which means, it has the potential to hover, either by facing into a strong wind, or tilting the Rotor head 'rearward' to compensate for forward thrust from the propeller. IMHO. :D
Whay this concept do not Go for... Future. Where's this Genius?
On Dan Gryders channel today he notes that one of the couple perished this week in an accident recently at their home airfield :(
“I thought about building a flying carpet thing that could go over the fence, but then my friend mentioned that I could just build a whole helicopter, so that’s what I did”
I do not have sufficient praise in my vocabulary!
Wow I like this and all it stands for.. This video is 8 years old, how do I contact Dick Degraw I want to learn so much more about building this kind of Jump Gyro Plane . The JGP . I really hope I can contact Dick Degraw soon.
Hello, did you contact him? and learned about vertical jump?
Not yet....
@@eduardofialho8409 I think he sold the rights to his craft
@pomatoso ....He said the rudder has enough authority (i.e. "effectiveness") to overcome any rotor torque.
Hello sir, I can get in contact with you?
he said rudder authority he means the ability for the rudder to compensate for any tourque effect
Torque forces doest real exists here, but the rotor drive is disconnected before take off.
The rotor (heawy for better inertial) is accelerated up to 500 or 600rpm with zero pitch,the rotor drive disconnected, up to take off pitch, and if the gyro is in the air, the propultion engine is set to full power , the normal pitch set as the gyro is fast ennough (over 40 kph)..
I would like a set of plans!!!
80 mph, 9.3 mpg @ approximately 60hp cruise (120 miles, 1.5hrs, 7 gallons used, assuming 0.5 lbs/hp/hr)
He made that and hes not even an engineer!
self taught!
k: You should see his self-open heart surgery!
An engineer probably COULDN'T make it- Perhaps an 'engineering committee' could get the ball 'rolling'.
While this might be NEWS to many, the FAA (as well as the true connoisseur) know how it all works- consequently the FAA has the '51%-rule' and FAR-103
I love that ❤️
RIP to Dick’s wife 😢
Heli-Giro-cool!!!
I was in one of his copters
How does the Gyrhino compensate torque forces? Dick refers at 2:35 to something about rudder but I can't understand cause I'm not english speaking native so it's just to difficult to listen to. Anyone can help me in writing what Dick says? Thank you.
pomatoso. the airflow From the pushing propeller gives him enough control to keep it straight
The rotor is powered by the engine and oversped on the ground for "jump" take off.
When in the air, the rotor rpm is reduced to normal for autogyro, but the engine is still powering it a bit (the clutch isn't disengaged), and because of the torque isn't high, it's controlled with the rudder.
Always wanted a 'jump' gyro, flew a rotorway but, just too confining. I here Dick sold the design/patent but, nothing on market yet.
Put the 3 bladed rotor on a dominator
If the engine is constantly connected to the rotor, then how can this craft be called a gyro plane. I thought the rotor was free rotating and it only connected to engine when in the pre take-off position.
Was wondering the same..
I learned later that if the rotor pitch can be adjusted, then a Gyro can have the ability to so jump takeoffs at the pre take-off position. However, in my opinion, it would make the machine more complicated and more expensive, something that defeats the purpose of the aircraft. If you want to jump start, might as well get a helicopter.
E W Well it is the constant partial drive to the rotor that intrigues me.
'constant partial drive' that is paradoxical. It cannot be constant and partial simultaneously. My understanding is that the rotor has a mechanical, electrical or hydraulic connection from engine to rotor for pre-rotation. That is they begin the rotor rotation to about 200 RPMs, then it is disconnected and the Gyro is ready to take-off. In less sophisticated Gyros the rotor is manually pushed and then the runway speed moves them to the point they obtain lift - a longer runway run is required. Hope you intrigue has been satisfied.
Just a guess on my part but maybe Dick found a way to install a "slip-and-grip" clutch but re-engineered the clutch to be in constant engagement with a low force spring plate When the main rotor reaches jump take-off speed, he feathers the collective, gains altitude and forward motion from the pusher prop thrust. Now the relative wind will be supplying the majority of the spinning force into the rotor and the mismatch in speed of both sides of the clutch plate overcomes the clutch friction allowing the clutch to slip. What little torque force added to the system by the engine crank to the rotor shaft to create torque is overcome by tail rudder authority.
Slip and Grip clutches are used in modern motorcycles to disengage the driven wheel from the drivetrain when there's a severe mismatch in engine RPM and wheel RPM during downshifts which can lead to bike instability and prematurely worn out rear tires.
Behind every great man is a woman who wants him out in the shed.
Building her an aeroplane.
I now him
That man found the right woman to marry!
Don’t drink and fly!!!