This original gyrodyne was developed and tested in 1968-1969 by the VFW-Fokker. Its unique feature was the drive concept using compressed air to drive the blades. The gyrodyne was equipped with a single turbine which drove a centrifugal compressor producing compressed air distributed to the blade tips fitted with nozzles. The main rotor was used for hovering, while the forward thrust was provided by two fans, also driven by compressed air. Project was abandoned after a few flights when it became clear that this type of propulsion was inefficient. Three prototypes were built with two preserved.

This photo is copyright © WalAndPl, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 19 December 2022, and has since been viewed 554 times.