Conversion of existing fixed wing aircraft.

[thesultanofscud]

A formal hello to everyone from the new guy.

No flame bait here...

Just curious.

I saw a Groen design years ago that was built from a Cessna Skymaster...very impressive looking machine.

I was curious if any builders here have any thoughts on converting existing fixed wing tractor aircraft to gyroplanes. I was inspired by the above design by the Groens, and I thought a Cessna 140 or 150 series chassis with a custom built empennage (for rotor clearance) would be a beautiful machine. I wonder if the fuel tanks could be left intact, after paring the rest of the wing away. Could a rotor mast be built above the cockpit and reinforced like the LW and pitbull designs?

I thought an Ercoupe would make for an interesting conversion, as the twin vertical stabilizers look almost short enough to allow certain blades to clear them when full aft stick pressure is applied. I'm aware the STC for true rudder pedals would have to be installed.

I'm not entirely unfamiliar with rotorwing flight, but all of my knowledge is theoretical...nothing empirical. Just a fan and a new guy on the forum. Hope to get into this side of flying some day.

[Vance]

Welcome to the forum Jonathan,

I have found that most gyroplane enthusiasts are minimalists.

Most fixed wing aircraft are a little heavy for a minimalist.

The Little Wing gyroplane is very similar in design to a fixed wing but lighter.

Converting a fixed wing to a rotor craft is a big project and I have not seen many happen successfully.

I personally think it would be fun to pull the wings off a tube and fabric biplane.

I have come to enjoy the view from my pusher so my first build will probably be a pusher.

I wish you the best of luck on your life’s path.

I never knew what I wanted to do and it worked out.

Thank you, Vance

[animal]

along time ago I drew up plans for a gyro based on a Cessan 150 with a chopped down tail and an inverted Ercoupe Tail, It looked good on paper and i went as far as getting a cessna 150 Fusalage and cutting the tail down.
even with the tail chopped off and a bare airframe.
I could tell there was no way I was going to make it fly. you would not beleive how heavy that thing still was.

Not to mention finding a set of blades and a Rotorhead that would handle the weight.
Also a Gyro take alot more horsepower to fly then a fixed wing,so it probably would have needed close to 200 or more horsepower. it was a neat idea, but one that is better just left on the drawing board.

[Brent_Brown]

I would say a kit plane is the best conversion. Like a Avid, Kitfox, BD6 or 4, Rans S14 and S12. The Avid with a 618 was about 500 pounds. I don't see changing it to a gyro would make it that much fatter.

Something like this but with a longer mast and gyro rotorhead and blades.

This was a Piper Colt converted.

[thesultanofscud]

Sorry...double post.

[thesultanofscud]

I'm gathering that the common theme here is that an all metal airframe just isn't going to get off the deck with the funds and equipment available to the average and reasonable builder/pilot...Thanks.

[Brent_Brown]

Here is a good one.

[karlbamforth]

I would say a kit plane is the best conversion. Like a Avid, Kitfox, BD6 or 4, Rans S14 and S12. The Avid with a 618 was about 500 pounds. I don't see changing it to a gyro would make it that much fatter.

Something like this but with a longer mast and gyro rotorhead and blades.

This was a Piper Colt converted.

Brent,

The Piper Colt you pictured is in fact tip jet powered using Djinn running gear.
You can see a Djinn in my avatar.
I believe it was intended to use tip jet power for t/o and landing, but autorotate for cruise.