Metro Launch System

[Tom Kirkman]

Could someone please explain to me the difference between the Butterfly's standard pre-rotator and their "Metro Launch System." It isn't clear to me on their website.

I have expanded my search for a Gyro to the Butterfly machines. Not sure it they'll fall within my price range but after watching some videos and talking to Larry, they look to me like very well thought out machines.

[Greg Mitchell]

Std pre-rotator is electric (starter motor) and is/was the industry standard pre-rotator type device. You will not see rrpms as high as an MLS Unit.

The Metro Launch System, on the 582 is a full belt drive system.

MLS on Aurora's is belt drive to a 90 degree gear box, shaft drive up to the drive wheel at the head.

MLS is probably the most powerfull pre-rotator available currently.

The Monarch and Aurora gyroplanes will launch into the air in 3-5 seconds and can pre-spin rotors in advance of 325 rrpm using light alloy blades ie: Dragon Wings.

Mitch

[GyroDoug]

Tom,

Larry has designed several different pre-rotator systems over the years. Different models come standard with different pre-rotators. Different engines often require different systems and Larry has lots of options available so it has created several different sytems being available.

However the "Metro Launch System" is a term he uses to describe his "High Power Pre-Rotators". He has an standard electric pre-rotator available on some models that will typically spin the rotors up to somewhere between 100 & 150 RRPM. Many other pre-rotators out there on the market can typically get up to about 150 RRPM. The Metro Launch System will take the rotors up to full flight speed (about 325 RRPM) before you even start moving. This allows for a much shorter takeoff. Larry lists the take off distance required with a Metro Launch System as "about 4 to 5 seconds" (which typically turns out to be < 100 ft.)

If your never planning to fly from anywhere that doesn't have a long smooth runway with plenty of time to take off, you really have no need to order the Metro Launch System. However if a shorter takeoff capability would be an advantage to you, there isn't a more powerful pre-rotator system available on the market than the Metro Launch System.

While Butterfly Gyros have never been the cheapest machine you could buy, they are honestly very competitively priced and you can get a Butterfly Gyro for as low as $14,995.00 (complete). Now as soon as you start adding options, the cost will start to climb. But remember you can keep it as basic as you want to. In fact you can start off with a very basic Gyro, fly it and enjoy it and when you decide you are ready for a Gyro with more power or more features, you can always upgrade your Butterfly Gyro without having to find a buyer and sell it and completely build another one. There is not any other Gyro manufacture who has more flexibility in the options you can have with their machines.

As a Butterfly Dealer I would be happy to talk to you anytime you have any questions about the Butterfly line of Gyroplanes. You can call me on my cell phone at (801) 628-7598 or e-mail me directly at "doug@domaworld.com". Best of luck with your search for the perfect Gyroplane. There are lots of good machines available today, but there isn't a better machine than the Butterfly (my opinion of course).

[Terry_Smith]

Tom,

I've been to Larry's shop in Texas and can tell you first hand that the Butterfly family of Gyros are VERY well thought out. I'm going out again in August to get a flight on a Golden Butterfly to get a feel for the Butterfly and gyros in particular. I'm not a gyro pilot owner yet, but the Butterfly is what I really want to build once I'm ready.

What Doug has described to you is completely accurate. When you're ready, you won't go wrong by contacting Doug and getting info from him. He is extremely knowledgeable and very happy to help you in choosing the right Butterfly for you. I'm hoping to get myself one in the not too distant future - raising a family and some bills slows getting one down a bit, but it's worth the wait.