Editing Autogyro (section)

=== Bensen Gyrocopter ===

The basic [[Bensen B-8|Bensen ''Gyrocopter'']] design is a simple frame of square aluminium or galvanized steel tubing, reinforced with triangles of lighter tubing. It is arranged so that the stress falls on the tubes, or special fittings, not the bolts. A{{nbsp}}front-to-back keel mounts a steerable nosewheel, seat, engine, and vertical stabilizer. Outlying mainwheels are mounted on an axle. Some versions may mount seaplane-style floats for water operations.

[[File:bensengyrocopter001.jpg|thumb|right|Bensen Aircraft B8MG Gyrocopter]]

Bensen-type autogyros use a [[pusher configuration]] for simplicity and to increase visibility for the pilot. Power can be supplied by a variety of engines. McCulloch drone engines, Rotax marine engines, Subaru automobile engines, and other designs have been used in Bensen-type designs.{{Citation needed|date=December 2014}}

The rotor is mounted atop the vertical mast. The rotor system of all Bensen-type autogyros is of a two-blade teetering design. There are some disadvantages associated with this rotor design, but the simplicity of the rotor design lends itself to ease of assembly and maintenance and is one of the reasons for its popularity. Aircraft-quality birch was specified in early Bensen designs, and a wood/steel composite is used in the world-speed-record-holding Wallis design. Gyroplane rotor blades are made from other materials such as [[aluminium]] and [[Glass-reinforced plastic|GRP]]-based composite.{{Citation needed|date=December 2014}}

Bensen's success triggered several other designs, some of them fatally flawed with an offset between the [[centre of gravity]] and thrust line, risking a [[power push-over]] (PPO or buntover) causing the death of the pilot and giving gyroplanes, in general, a poor reputation{{snds}}in contrast to de la Cierva's original intention and early statistics. Most new autogyros are now safe from PPO.<ref name="eeaGyro">{{cite web |url = http://www.eaa.org/lightplaneworld/articles/1102_gyroplanes.asp |title = This is Not Your Father's Gyroplane |last = O'Connor |first = Timothy |publisher = [[Experimental Aircraft Association]] (EEA) |access-date = 12 February 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120315121402/http://www.eaa.org/lightplaneworld/articles/1102_gyroplanes.asp |archive-date = 15 March 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref><!--RFH page 21-3-->