AeroCopter (Spain) showed the first production Futura autogyro at the Aero '03 exhibition at Friedrichshafen, Germany, in April 2003.

AeroCopter Futura

TYPE: Two-seat autogyro ultralight.

PROGRAMME: Design began in 1998; two prototypes flown in 2002. Initial production aircraft was due to fly immediately after debut at Friedrichshafen, Germany, in April 2003.

COSTS: 55,000 EUR (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Objectives were "spectacular and aggressive'' appearance, combined with latest technology and high level of standard equipment. Twin-tailboom configuration with enclosed cabin; tailbooms and main landing gear mounted on anhedral aerofoil-shape fairings. Main rotor pre rotation by Bowden cable.

FLYING CONTROLS: Twin rudders, plus all-moving central fin, actuated by Bowden cables.

STRUCTURE: Generally of glass fibre, with chrome-molybdenum tube cabin framework. Main rotors designed and manufactured by ASII in USA.

LANDING GEAR: Tricycle type; fixed. Mainwheels 400x100; nosewheel 4.00-6. Hydraulic disc brakes on mainwheels. Steerable nosewheel directly linked to rudder.

POWER PLANT: One 74.6kW fuel-injected BMW R 1100 S flat-four driving a Kremen three-blade, flight-adjustable (electric), wooden pusher propeller via a reduction drive including a centrifugal clutch.

Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 2004-2005

Technical data for AeroCopter Futura

Crew+passengers: 1+1, rotor diameter: 8.50m, width overall: 2.10m, length overall: 4.00m, height overall: 3.10m, take-off weight: 450kg, empty weight: 260kg, max level speed: 190km/h, normal cruising speed: 160km/h, take-off run: 100m, landing run: 5m, endurance: 4h