Back Gyrodyne YRON-1 "Rotorcycle"
1958

Rotorcycle

Under contract from the US Navy, this company produced a simple one-man co-axial portable helicopter known as the XRON-1 Rotorcycle, intended for use by the USMC for observation, liason and small-unit tactical manoeuvres.

Rotorcycle

Photo Gallery 

Gyrodyne YRON-1 "Rotorcycle"

Gyrodyne YRON-1 "Rotorcycle"

Gyrodyne YRON-1 "Rotorcycle"

Technical data for XRON-1

Crew: 1, engine: 1 x Porsche 4-cylinder pistone engine, rated at 45kW, take-off weight: 315kg, payload: 105kg, max speed: 110km/h, service ceiling: 2000m, range: 50-95km

Comments
Sheila, e-mail, 20.02.2021reply

I read this page with interest. My father was the chief test pilot for Gyrodyne, James V. Ryan. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to buy the engine of a Yron and it now sits in my family room on a specially constructed display stand. It's him flying in several of the photos on this page.

paolo gandossi, e-mail, 21.11.2016reply

Hi all
I have 4 of this engines for XRON-1 that I collected during my years, I will be glad to meet Capt. Gene Ockuly that used this gyrocopter, if someone can help me I will be very happy
thanks
Paolo from Italy

Javier del Castilo, e-mail, 08.11.2014reply

I'm a Marine Veteran. I worked in the ordanance dept. I would like to say I have enjoyed seeing your design work as well as reading what USMC ex-pilots have shared here.

Cristian Porumbescu, e-mail, 27.12.2010reply

Does someone can tell me the rotor's radius or diam.

Capt. Gene Ockuly USMC Ret., e-mail, 10.05.2011reply

I flew the YRON in 1960 as a test project for the Marine Corps which was rejected by Gen. Marion Carl. The other two pilots that flew it were Maj. Herb Valintine % Maj. Joe Price. We demoed the bird in a few states and it was a ball, max speed was 75 kts due toe the convergence of the blade tips that counter rotated, we used our feet to stop since it had no brakes. Four were built one of which was destroyed by the company test pilot during an auto rotation test. We were stationed at Quantico Va. with HMX-1 which is the Presidential Helo Squadron.

Capt. Gene Ockuly USMC Retireed

Robert Biesiada, e-mail, 20.05.2011reply

Dear Capt. Gene Ockuly,
I was delighted to read your few words about your mythical flight with YRON1. It's a helicopter that fascinates me because of cleverly coaxial rotor technology, which led to the development of the first QH-50 DASH drone.
I collect information, documents or pictures of this coaxial helicopter
Thank you for sharing your experience with everyone by telling your story ... because you are the legend.

Best regards.

robert Biesiada, e-mail, 16.05.2010reply

I'm very interested by this co-axial helicopter. Does someone can give me more informations about it? How does rotors works and more...
Thanks.
Robert from Jardin -France.

luiz gustavo, e-mail, 03.05.2008reply

Is this project available for sale? I am searching experimental models for construct at home.

david cassar, e-mail, 07.07.2007reply

how can you buy one similar..to this aircraft

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