Andy sent this to me to post on the forum. He also has a new website at www.littlewingwonder.com
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February 27, 2006
LW5 Adds 11 New World Records for a Total of 19
Performance Improvements Prove Effective in Heavy Autogyro Sub Class Tasks
LW5 is the 5th in the series of Ron Herron’s Little Wing Autogyro designs. Affectionately called ‘Woodstock’, LW5 was co-built by Ron, and pilot, Andy Keech.
Between October 2003 and March 2005, Keech set 3 transcontinental speed records in LW5 and also the following world records: All were set in the light sub-class category i.e. below 1102 lbs.
In early 2006 Herron made a number of refinements to LW5, as Keech was interested in testing ‘Woodstock’ in the heavy sub-class i.e.over 1102 lbs. Previously there had only been 2 records set in this category: straight-line distance and altitude. (381 miles and 10,880' respectively). Woodstock was set up with two auxiliary long range tanks, 52 gallons of gasoline, and heavy cruising blades. Her take-off weight (1,132lbs) was twice her normal empty weight.
Between February 9 and 14, Keech made flights from North Little Rock municipal airport. On February 16th, the NAA, National Aeronautics Association, the organization responsible for certifying records, assessed the data from the flight recorder, and preliminary results show the following record-breaking performances:
These results produced 11 new world records: four in autogyro class; seven in autogro heavy sub-class.
Keech is marketing his performance data to potential manufacturers, who are interested in developing military, law-enforcement, unmanned vehicle or recreational aircraft. “Woodstock is a remarkable all around performer. But perhaps best of all,” says Keech, “ it's the safest and least costly rotorcraft in the skies.”
PRESS CONTACT: Peter Sauerbrey, [email protected], (410) 378-2934
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February 27, 2006
LW5 Adds 11 New World Records for a Total of 19
Performance Improvements Prove Effective in Heavy Autogyro Sub Class Tasks
LW5 is the 5th in the series of Ron Herron’s Little Wing Autogyro designs. Affectionately called ‘Woodstock’, LW5 was co-built by Ron, and pilot, Andy Keech.
Between October 2003 and March 2005, Keech set 3 transcontinental speed records in LW5 and also the following world records: All were set in the light sub-class category i.e. below 1102 lbs.
- Speed over a 500 km closed circuit without payload: 75.4 kts.
- Altitude: 26,408 ft
- Time to Climb to 6,000 m: 24min. 28sec
- Distance without Landing: 617 miles.
In early 2006 Herron made a number of refinements to LW5, as Keech was interested in testing ‘Woodstock’ in the heavy sub-class i.e.over 1102 lbs. Previously there had only been 2 records set in this category: straight-line distance and altitude. (381 miles and 10,880' respectively). Woodstock was set up with two auxiliary long range tanks, 52 gallons of gasoline, and heavy cruising blades. Her take-off weight (1,132lbs) was twice her normal empty weight.
Between February 9 and 14, Keech made flights from North Little Rock municipal airport. On February 16th, the NAA, National Aeronautics Association, the organization responsible for certifying records, assessed the data from the flight recorder, and preliminary results show the following record-breaking performances:
- Distance Over a Closed Course Without Landing: 667 miles
- Speed Over a 500 km Closed Course: 104.3 mph
- Speed Over a 1,000 km Closed Course: 108 mph
- Time to Climb to 3,000 Meters: 38 minutes 41 seconds
- Speed Over a 100 km Closed Course: 104kmh
- Altitude: 14,466'. 33% improvement over the previous record.
- Distance Without Landing: 673 miles. 76% improvement over the previous record
These results produced 11 new world records: four in autogyro class; seven in autogro heavy sub-class.
Keech is marketing his performance data to potential manufacturers, who are interested in developing military, law-enforcement, unmanned vehicle or recreational aircraft. “Woodstock is a remarkable all around performer. But perhaps best of all,” says Keech, “ it's the safest and least costly rotorcraft in the skies.”
PRESS CONTACT: Peter Sauerbrey, [email protected], (410) 378-2934
