Bensen Aircraft Gyrocopter Plans Download Software
Bensen Aircraft Gyrocopter Plans Download Free

THE ORIGIN OF THE MODERN GYROPLANE:
A tribute to the man who started it all

In the 1950s Bensen Aircraft Corporation exploded upon the sport aviation scene with their ground-breaking 'Gyrocopters' and 'Gyrogliders.' When the brilliant engineer behind this success, Dr. Igor Bensen, introduced the B-7 Gyroglider (1955), its unprecedented simplicity of design and ease of flight captured the public's imagination. Although the B-7 had no engine and was towed into the air very much like a kite, shortly thereafter the engine-powered B-7M Gyrocopter was introduced and a new age of powered homebuilt aircraft dawned. Dr. Bensen's revolutionary designs have been copied and modified, but, in the opinion of many, never surpassed.

Please note:Although Vortech has available reproductions of the manuals and prints for the Bensen Gyros, these materials are not sold for the construction from scratch of one of these aircraft since Bensen Aircraft is no longer in business and the technical support for safe operation is not available. The manuals and prints are only sold to individuals that own one of these aircraft and need these reference materials. (The listings for Bensen materials are at Vortech Books.)

The B-8M GyroCopter

**The B-8M was the latest of the Bensen gyroplanes and it remains among the finest craft of its kind**

The gyroplane (or 'gyrocopter' or simply 'gyro') is essentially a helicopter-airplane hybrid, offering many of the benefits of both and several of its own. Many consider it among the safest aircraft you can fly. Unlike a helicopter, the gyro's rotor blades are unpowered, necessitating a short roll for take-off—unless the craft is fitted with a pre-rotator, which can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for a runway. A major safety feature of the gyro is that if the engine fails, the craft can be easily glided to a safe landing. Also, the gyro is less affected by high wind than typical fixed-wing aircraft and is not subject to stall.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE
B-8M GYROCOPTER
Height.......................................................... 6½ ft
Length .......................................................... 11 ft
Empty Weight......................................... 250 lbs
Gross Weight ........................................ 550 lbs
Payload Weight ..................................... 300 lbs
Rotor Diameter ........................................ 20½ ft
Disc Loading (lbs/sq ft) ................................ 1.6
Engine (original) .................. McCulloch 4318
Horsepower Range................................ 65 to 90
Maximum Speed ..................................... 95 mph
Cruise Speed ........................................... 65 mph
Rate Of Climb .................................... 1,100 fpm
Maximum Altitude .............................. 15,000 ft

The B-8M Gyrocopter (left and above) fits in the Experimental Aircraft category.
The unpowered B-8 Gyroglider (below) falls in the class of unpowered gliders and requires no license. Of course, proper training is an absolute necessity for the safe operation of any aircraft, whether ultralight or experimental.

The above 2 aircraft are the unpowered Bensen B-8 Gyrogliders, which were towed into the air by an automobile or, if fitted with floats, by a boat. Once airborne, the cable was released and, with proper skill and perhaps some help from the wind, the craft could continue its flight for many minutes. Once control of the glider was mastered, the craft was convertible to the engine-powered gyrocopter.

Bensen Aircraft Gyrocopter Plans Download Software

Bensen aircraft gyrocopter plans download pdf

Bensen aircraft gyrocopter plans download free

An American recreational, single-seater autogyro designed by Bensen Aircraft Corporation and produced by Bensen and amateur builders from 1955 to 1987 An autogyro, cousin of the helicopter kept aloft by a rotor which rotated freely. The Bensen B-8M Gyrocopter. 1957: The Bensen Aircraft Corperation has been the largest manufacturer of light gyroplanes since the early fifties. The B-8M was designed and tested from the earlier B-7M. The modifcations worked out from the -7 project included a higher horsepower engine from 42hp to 72hp in a McColloch 2 stroke. Gyroplane pioneer Bill Parsons developed his first tandem-seat trainer in 1985 from a Bensen B-8M Gyrocopter in response to numerous accidents in learning to fly single-seat gyrocopters. His original trainer NWP54 is the one on display and was used to train over 600 pilots. Learning to fly a gyroplane is quite demanding. Previous to this aircraft, learning to fly on a dual control aircraft.

THE B-7(M) Gyro-Glider and Gyro-Copter

The B-7 Gyro-Glider (right) and the B-7M Gyro-Copter (below) are the innovative Bensen designs that, in 1955, ignited the gyro craze.
Here, Dr. Bensen himself demonstrates the flying abilities of his B-7. Once towed to an altitude of 50 to 150 feet (depending upon one's skill level), the cable can be released for the thrill of free and open skies. Later, an engine can be added to a B-7 (below drawing) for completely independent flight.

Drawing of the B-7 converted to engine
power—now designated the B-7M.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE B-7(M)
'GLIDER & 'COPTER
Height......................................................... 6½ ft
Length .......................................................... 8 ft
Empty Weight....................................... 185 lbs
Gross Weight ........................................ 450 lbs
Payload Weight .................................... 265 lbs
Rotor Diameter ...................................... 20½ ft
Disc Loading (lbs/sq ft) ............................... 1.4
Engine (original B-7M) ....................... Nelson
Horsepower Range (B-7M)................ 42 to 65
Maximum Speed ................................... 85 mph
Cruise Speed ......................................... 55 mph
Rate Of Climb ................................... 1,000 fpm
Maximum Altitude ............................. 12,500 ft

The B-8M GyroCopterThe B-8M was the latest of the Bensen gyroplanes and it remains among the finest craft of its kind

Bensen Aircraft Gyrocopter Plans Download Software

THE B-7(M) Gyro-Glider and Gyro-Copter

Bensen Aircraft Gyrocopter Plans Download Free

The B-8M GyroCopter

**The B-8M was the latest of the Bensen gyroplanes and it remains among the finest craft of its kind**