A comprehensive flight dynamics study of the
autogyro is presented in this paper. A state of the art generic
simulation of the vehicle type was developed and validated
against flight data. This validation is presented in the paper
and it is shown that the model can be applied to the autogyro
with some confidence within well defined limitations
bounds. It is also shown that the general stability
characteristics of the autogyro can be considered as a mix of
helicopter and fixed wing aircraft modes of flight. Most
significantly the autogyro has a lightly damped, high
frequency phugoid mode. Further, it is demonstrated that
the only significant configurational effect is related to the
relative vertical position of the centre of gravity with respect
to the propeller thrustline, a centre of gravity which lies
above the thrustline being more desirable. Results from
preliminary handling qualities trials applying the techniques
of ADS33 to an autogyro are also presented. Results from
flight trials to investigate the teetering motion of the rotor
are described, and the influence of the research on air
accident investigation is also discussed
