ArrowCopter
www.arrow-copter.com
AC20. The Austrian-built AC20 is in the luxury category of the gyroplane world. Distributed in the U.S. by North American Gyro, the AC20 is unlike other gyroplane designs on the market. Instead of a tubular steel frame, the sexy AC20 is built from composite materials, giving it smooth, flowing lines. Its innovative wing-landing gear combination functions as a lifting device, gear suspension and fuel tank. With a 120 mph cruise, the AC20 is aimed at the performance market. Price: $160,000 (base price).
Sport Copter
www.sportcopter.com
Lightning. For pilots who want minimal investment and are okay with letting it all hang out in the breeze, the Sport Copter Lightning fits the bill. A single-place, open gyrocopter, the Lightning is powered by the 52 hp Rotax 503 engine. The spider-like airframe is built of large-diameter aluminum tubing along with rough-field suspension and the patented “Roto-Control” system. A step-by-step video is included with the assembly manual. Lightning can be assembled in 50-60 hours with basic hand tools and will give you a gyroplane that will cruise at 63 mph. Price: $21,995.
Sportcopter II. Manufactured here in the U.S. in Oregon, the Sportcopter II is another enclosed gyroplane with sleek lines and all-weather capability. The roomy 49-inch-wide cabin and two-seat side-by-side configuration make it feel larger than it is. Qualifying as an LSA, the Sportcopter II is powered by a Lycoming IO-360 engine and features a triple vertical stabilizer/rudder system that provides excellent stability in slow flight maneuvering and high-speed cruise. Price: $84,995.
Vortex M912. Looking more like a traditional gyroplane, the M912 is manufactured in Oregon by Sportcopter. It was created as something of a flying workhorse for mustering (the equivalent of our herding) cattle in Australia, hence the “M” for “mustering.” Built for rough-field and utility flying, the M912 features a longer tail boom, larger horizontal stabilizer, outboard fins and high-performance suspension. Built from 4130 steel tubing, this is a single-place gyroplane that can be flown out in the open or with its partially enclosed body. Price: $65,195.
