Editing Autogyro (section)

== Pusher vs tractor configuration ==

[[File:montgomerie.merlin.b8mr.autogyro.arp.jpg|thumb|right|Montgomerie Merlin single-seat autogyro]]

Modern autogyros typically follow one of two basic configurations. The most common design is the pusher configuration, where the engine and propeller are located behind the pilot and rotor mast, such as in the Bensen "[[#Bensen Gyrocopter|Gyrocopter]]". Its main advantages are the simplicity and lightness of its construction and the unobstructed visibility. It was developed by Igor Bensen in the decades following World War II, who also founded the Popular Rotorcraft Association (PRA) to help it become more widespread.<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Garrison |first1 = Peter |title = Mail Drop: Gyroplane Facts |url = https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/mail-drop-gyroplane-facts/ |website = Flying Mag |date = 2 October 2015 |publisher = Flying Magazine |access-date = 15 August 2021 |archive-date = 15 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210815234037/https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/mail-drop-gyroplane-facts/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Less common today is the tractor configuration. In this version, the engine and propeller are located at the front of the aircraft, ahead of the pilot and rotor mast. This was the primary configuration in early autogyros but became less common. Nonetheless, the tractor configuration has some advantages compared to a pusher, namely greater yaw stability (as the center of mass is farther away from the rudder), and greater ease in aligning the center of thrust with the center of mass to prevent "bunting" (engine thrust overwhelming the pitch control).<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Fietz |first1 = Ken |title = The little wing autogyro |url = http://www.gyroplanepassion.com/LittleWing.html |website = gyroplane passion |access-date = 16 August 2021 |archive-date = 15 August 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210815234029/http://www.gyroplanepassion.com/LittleWing.html |url-status = live }}</ref>