Rotor Flight Dynamics LFINO: Request Photos

[N962GT]

Please post photos of the three-blade, 2005-2006 RFD LFINO jump-gyro designed and built by Dick Degraw and Ernie Boyette which was on static display at Bensen Days 2005 and apparently flight-demonstrated there the following year. It appears to be the same concept and powerplant as all of Dick's Rhino jump gyros using a Subaru engine and transaxle differential. I read that it was sold to someone and transported to Spain, never to be seen again.

Up to now I'd only ever been aware of the three Rhinos Dick built and flew at Mentone, ferried there from his home in Niles, Mich. Always was a big kick to watch them in action.

 

[Brian Jackson]

Wow, I didn't realize Dick was from Niles. That's my hometown (though NJ is home now.)

"Small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it" - Steven Wright

 

[MikeBoyette]

A couple of corrections. It was not static displayed. Dick flew it there although only once due to a never solved cooling issue believed to be caused by the position the dual radiators were mounted. They were mounted flat horizontally and was though to be trapping air in the system. We were unable to ever get it completely burped.

It was sold as a proof of concept project to a man in Spain. It sat in the container it was shipped in for many years. We were shown a website a couple of years ago putting the machine in a new limelight. It contained lots of photos and videos made by Connie. The new owner is in China as far as we could tell.

I was under the impression Dick and Carrol lived in Jackson. They are only Summertime residences there. They actually made their home in Sun City Center their full time home. This allows them to take advantage of our no income tax in Florida.

If you google LIFNO I think it will take you to the website for the Chinese company who owns it now.

 

[Vance]

Try:

for a video of LFINO flying.