Synopses & Reviews
Predating the invention of the helicopter by two decades, the Autogiro was the world's first rotary-wing aircraft. The helicopter had the advantageous ability to rise straight up, while the Autogiro/gyroplane could only taxi. Yet the gyroplane was safer and more stable; both aircraft should have had value in market. Why did the helicopter survive and prosper, while the Autogiro became a nearly forgotten historical footnote? Why didn't the Autogiro catch on, and why is it being revived today?
This is the first book to tell the fascinating 80-year history of today's gyroplane and its antecedent, the Autogiro. Charnov explains that the near-eclipse of the Autogiro was caused by a potent combination of bad luck, the impact of the Great Depression and World War II, and egregious business decisions. Only by understanding the amazing manner in which this aviation technology has persisted and evolved can one fully understand the basis for its future. In contrast to the fate of the Autogiro, the gyroplane's unfolding story is characterized by successful business models, effective decision making, and the emergence of cutting-edge technology. The survival of the gyroplane may be a paradigm for the persistence of earlier, less complex technologies, and its future relies on grasping its colorful history.
Review
[T]his is the first comprehensive historical survey embracing both the Autogiro and the gyroplane, its closest modern counterpart. It is a comprehensive, well-referenced and well-indexed volume....If you feel you need just one good book on the subject, this is surely it.Wingspan International, Number 22
Review
Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through faculty.Choice
Review
It is thoroughly researched, well illustrated, and provides a wealth of references for the interested reader to follow up. The fluent writing style sets this book apart from academic peers in related fields-it is great read....This book is great piece of work.Members Magazine
Review
Bruce Charnov's book is the first book to relate the full history of this remarkable mode of aerial transport. It is well-researched and never dull.International Autogyro Quarterly
Review
Bruce Charnov has written an exceptional book, and the first to tell in detail the quite extraordinary story of 80-years of autorotational flight. It should prove to be a valuable reference resource for many years to come.British Rotorcraft Association Members' Magazine
Review
[A] great read....Bruce Charnov's enthusiasm for his topic leaps from the pages....This book is a great piece of work, may it be a huge success.Wisconsin Bookwatch
Synopsis
Charnov tells the 80-year history of the Autogiro, a rotary-wing aircraft that predated the helicopter by two decades and that was almost lost to history before its resurrection as the gyrocopter in the 1950s and 1960s.
Synopsis
Charnov tells the 80-year history of the Autogiro, a rotary-wing aircraft that predated the helicopter by two decades and that was almost lost to history before its resurrection as the gyrocopter in the 1950s and 1960s.
About the Author
BRUCE H. CHARNOV is Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Management, Entrepreneurship and General Business Department of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, New York.