Hansen Ranger and Ranger II Gyroplanes

[okikuma]

Not to be confused with the current American Ranger AR-1 gyroplanes.

Sometime back, Tracy Hansen had developed and built two gyroplanes based on the Bensen B-8M airframe but with many modifications. The major deviation is with twin booms, horizontal stabilizers, and rudders. The mast on both gyros also appear to be 2" x 4".

The first model, the Ranger N63TH is a single seat gyroplane. The second model, the Ranger II N3039 is a tandem seat, single control gyroplane. It appears that both VW engines are at least 2100 cc with dual IDA 48 Weber carbs.

Earlier today, I was thinking about those two gyroplanes and what is the status of both aircraft. A FAA N number inquiry shows that Ranger N63TH registration was canceled in 2018. With Ranger II N3039, the FAA N number inquiry shows the aircraft was registered as a B-8M and the registration expired in 2013.

If anyone has photos of both aircraft, please post here on this thread.

Here’s a video of a gathering / fly-in at Alvord Dry Lake Bed, Oregon in 2013 that shows both the Ranger N63TH and Ranger II N3039 gyroplanes flying.

Ranger N63TH are at 0:09 - 0:18, 0:20 - 0:36, 1:52 - 1:57, and 3:58 - 4:08

Ranger II N3039 are at 1:33 - 1:36 and 1:58 - 2:11

Wayne

 

[Resasi]

They look rather good.

Nice video with a unusual views of gyros flying taken from a drone.

 

[C Howard]

I have only found two pictures of Tracy Hansen's Ranger II Gyro back in old PRA publications but the two pics were poor. Does anyone have and decent pictures of Tracy's Ranger II they could share?

Best regards,

Chas

 

[Kevin_Richey]

A pretty good close up of his single place Ranger ll @ 4:04 in the video in Post #1. A screenshot might be what you're looking for.

Another video of Tracy & one of his gyro friends flying their Ranger ll gyros in past years @ the Alvord Desert dry lake bed in far SE Oregon. Gyro flying (seen from below, filmed by a motorcyclist). Look @ those Rotordynes flash as they are prerotated! Also, rocketry & land sailing:

Caption from the video: "The Alvord Desert is a special place. It is a place that allows the use of a diverse range of vehicles. Some powered by wind, some by gasoline, and some by beer."

 

[Loren Jones]

A pretty good close up of his single place Ranger ll @ 4:04 in the video in Post #1. A screenshot might be what you're looking for.

Another video of Tracy & one of his gyro friends flying their Ranger ll gyros in past years @ the Alvord Desert dry lake bed in far SE Oregon. Gyro flying (seen from below, filmed by a motorcyclist). Look @ those Rotordynes flash as they are prerotated! Also, rocketry & land sailing:

Caption from the video: "The Alvord Desert is a special place. It is a place that allows the use of a diverse range of vehicles. Some powered by wind, some by gasoline, and some by beer."

That is one of the best videos ever! So awesome.

 

[Mayfield]

That is one of the best videos ever! So awesome.

Yes it is! I know we're supposed to get our rotor system as smooth as possible. I know smooth is better in every way.

However.

Some of my happiest rotorcraft memories, in both gyros and helicopters, include the little bounce in the seat and the shake in the stick.

Yeah, I know, foolish, but

 

[Kevin_Richey]

That is one of the best videos ever! So awesome.

Here is another gyro clip filmed from alongside & below out on the Alvord desert dry lake bed. Slow flight @ 27 mph. Verified w/ M/C speedo. From 4:48-8:00 & then from 10:05 to end:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=135251067481671

 

[C Howard]

Hey Kevin and Loren,
Thanks for sharing the videos, great flying machine, for a direct drive volks the Ranger seemed to perform pretty nice for it's time. Do any of you know Tracy Hansen? I sure would like to speak to him? I have always wanted to build a gyro like the Ranger II. I have always wondered how the Ranger II flew with a passenger? Anyone ever see Tracy fly with a passenger? If anyone has any more info to share on this machine I would love to hear about it. Kevin I did grab a couple screen shots, again thank you.

Best regards,

Chas

 

[Kevin_Richey]

I thought I saw TH over on the PRA FB page recently, as a "LIKE" on one of the posts.
I believe he has a FB page. I don't know if he is still living in Hillsboro, OR, or someplace warmer w/ less precipitation.

 

[GYRO-JUNKIE]

Hello Fellow Gyronauts. This is Tracy Hansen. Just got back on the forum after a hiatus. I am now retired and living on Maui. My Ranger 1 gyro is still in my hangar in Hillsboro, Oregon and it is available for sale as a complete, flying machine with custom built enclosed trailer that allows transport without lowering the rotor head. Wide chord, proven, Rotordyne blades included, along with tons of spare parts. $10K. I completely rebuilt the 2375 CC engine after the last time I flew it. It is an amazing flying machine. If interested, please feel free to call me at 503-528-4844