AutoGyro MT-03 explained
The
AutoGyro MT-03 is a German
autogyro, designed and produced by
AutoGyro GmbH of
Hildesheim. The aircraft is supplied as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.
[1] The MT-03 was approved in the United Kingdom in 2007 in a modified form as the RotorSport UK MT-03.[2]
Design and development
The MT-03 features a single main rotor, a two-seats in tandem open cockpit with an optional partial cockpit fairing, tricycle landing gear with wheel pants and a four-cylinder, air and liquid-cooled, four-stroke, dual-ignition 1000NaN0 Rotax 912 engine or turbocharged 1150NaN0 Rotax 914 engine in pusher configuration.
The aircraft fairing is made from composites. Its 8.41NaN1 diameter rotor has a chord of 201NaN1. The aircraft has an empty weight of 245kg (540lb) and a gross weight of 450kg (990lb), giving a useful load of 205kg (452lb).
The MT-03 was developed into the MTOsport and the fully enclosed AutoGyro Calidus.
Operational history
The MT-03 was flown on a world record-setting distance flight in Australia of 12630NaN0.
An AutoGyro MT-03 was used by Norman Surplus in his nine-year global circumnavigation that ended in 2019; the first to be done in an autogyro.[3]
Variants
- AutoGyro MT-03
Base model for the European and North American market. No longer in production.
- RotorSport UK MT-03
Modified model for the United Kingdom market, imported assembled and modified by RotorSport UK.
- AutoGyro MTOsport
Improved model for the European and North American market. This model offers a choice of three different rotor systems, two different propellers, two engine choices (Rotax 912S or 914) and floats.
- AutoGyro MT0-Free
Version of the MTOsport, with no cockpit fairing fitted. This leaves the pilot out in the open air and has the benefit of eliminating the need for rudder input when turning, as the fairing acts as a destabilizer.[4] Operators
Military
Notes and References
- Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 176-177. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- Web site: Gyroplane Type Approval Data Sheet (TADS) - Type: RotorSport UK MT-03 . . 29 December 2012 .
- Web site: EAA Aviation Museum Adds Two Record Breaking Aircraft to Collection AutoGyro GmbH - AutoGyro MT-03 . Aviation Pros . 20 August 2019.
- Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 188. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015.
- February 2010 . Ethiopian Air Force Invests in Gyrocopters . Air Forces Monthly . Key Publishing . Stamford, Lincolnshire . 263 .
