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1940 Autogiro flight at Willow Grove, Pennsylvania...



Item # 718236

July 27, 1940

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Mass. July 27, 1940

* Autogiro demonstration flight 
* Prelude to the helicopter - rotorcraft
* Willow Grove, Pennsylvania 


Near the bottom of the front page is a two column heading: "New Type Autogiro Hops Into the Air at Takeoff" with subhead. (see images)

Complete with 16 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, generally nice.

AI notes: The Autogiro Demonstration at Willow Grove on July 26, 1940, showcased the potential of the autogiro, an early rotorcraft with a free-spinning rotor for lift and a conventional airplane engine for thrust. The event featured aircraft like the Pitcairn PCA-2 and was attended by military and aviation officials. Though the autogiro showed promise for reconnaissance and other roles, it didn’t gain widespread military use. However, the demonstration played a key role in advancing rotorcraft technology, laying the groundwork for the development of helicopters after WWII.

Category: The 20th Century