Helicopters use flapping blades to generate lift. The blades are attached to a rotor head that is connected to the engine. As the engine turns, the rotor head spins and the blades flap up and down. This creates lift and propels the helicopter forward.
Autogyros, on the other hand, use autorotation to generate lift. Autorotation is the process by which a wing generates lift when it is moving through the air. In an autogiro, the rotor blades are free to rotate around their own axis. As the autogiro moves forward, the airstream causes the blades to rotate. This rotation creates lift and propels the autogiro forward.
Another difference between helicopters and autogyros is that helicopters can hover while autogyros cannot. This is because helicopters have a higher disk loading than autogyros. Disk loading is the amount of weight that is supported by each square foot of rotor blade. Helicopters have a higher disk loading because their rotor blades are smaller and closer together. This allows them to generate more lift and hover.
Finally, helicopters are more maneuverable than autogyros. This is because helicopters can use their flapping blades to change the direction of their lift. Autogyros, on the other hand, cannot change the direction of their lift. They must rely on the airstream to keep them flying.
In summary, helicopters and autogyros are both rotary-wing aircraft, but they have some key differences. Helicopters use flapping blades to generate lift and can hover, while autogyros use autorotation to generate lift and cannot hover. Helicopters are also more maneuverable than autogyros.
