From Autogiro to Gyroplane: The Amazing Survival of an Aviation Technology: Bruce H. Charnov
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through faculty.”–
“[p]rovides an excellent reference work on the afterlife of Cierva’s rotary-wing principle, especially its 26-page bibliography of books, articles and films.”–
“Bruce Charnov has written an exceptional book, and the first to tell in detail quite extraordinary story of 80-years of autorotational flight aircraft. It should prove to be a valuable reference resource for many years to come.”–
“[S]uperbly lays out the entire and intriguing 80-year history of rotary-wing aircraft….From Autogiro to Gyroplane deftly and comprehensively examines the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II upon these motorized aircrafts, as well as the simply bad business decisions, and the lessons that the fate and persistence of the gyroplane has for other old, long lasting, yet ultimately fully functional technologies. From Autogiro to Gyroplane is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library aviation History collections.”–
“The book is a history demonstrating academic rigour while providing a good read. The literature researched and presented is exhaustive and should provide further scope for study. The bibliography and the ‘Essential Library’ are truly impressive.The book is impressive.”–
“It is thoroughly researched, well illustrated, and provides a wealth of references for the interested reader to follow up. The fluent writing style sets this book apart from academic peers in related fields-it is great read….This book is great piece of work.”–
“Bruce’s book will become “the bible” for autogiro/autogyro/gyroplane historians and will see no equal for decades….[t]his book delivers to the last cent.”–
“Bruce Charnov’s book is the first book to relate the full history of this remarkable mode of aerial transport. It is well-researched study that is never dull.”–
“[T]his is the first comprehensive historical survey embracing both the Autogiro and the gyroplane, its closest modern counterpart. It is a comprehensive, well-referenced and well-indexed volume….If you feel you need just one good book on the subject, this is surely it.”–
“Bruce Charnov has written an exceptional book, and the first to tell in detail the quite extraordinary story of 80-years of autorotational flight. It should prove to be a valuable reference resource for many years to come.”–
“Bruce Charnov’s book is the first book to relate the full history of this remarkable mode of aerial transport. It is well-researched and never dull.”–
“[A] great read….Bruce Charnov’s enthusiasm for his topic leaps from the pages….This book is a great piece of work, may it be a huge success.”–
This is the first book to tell the fascinating 80-year history of today’s gyroplane and its antecedent, the Autogiro. Charnov explains that the near-eclipse of the Autogiro was caused by a potent combination of bad luck, the impact of the Great Depression and World War II, and egregious business decisions. Only by understanding the amazing manner in which this aviation technology has persisted and evolved can one fully understand the basis for its future.