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Engineering

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The rotor system is the venerable high-inertia Stella rotor system by Averso, which is Aluminum alloy rotor with over 14 years of history without a single crack. The carriage is built on a high-strength welded stainless-steel frame, with a fiberglass composite streamlined fairing, with an effective tail for excellent stability and control.

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The AR-1’s controls are easily accessible and made primarily of metal tubes. The main landing gear is 7075-T6 aluminum leaf spring which supplies a slower spring back rate than composite leaf gear found in many production machines. Landing gear is covered by lift generating composite fairings. Hydraulic disc brakes are installed on both main wheels, with wheel pants. The AR-1 gyroplane has a composite three or four blade propeller, an electrical speed trim and mechanical pre-rotator to start the blades rotating before takeoff.

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Additionally, the AR-1 is available powered by field-proven industry standard Rotax aircraft four-stroke power plants. It comes with a choice of either Rotax 912ULS (dual carbs) or 912iS (fuel injected) 100 HP engine or the turbocharged Rotax 914UL 115HP engine for better performance and operation at higher altitudes or the latest technology in Rotax aircraft engine line, Rotax 915iS, with fuel injected turbo charged 141 HP that can really kick things up. The 17 US gallon aluminum welded fuel tank ensures compatibility with any type of fuel. All three engines are designed to operate on automotive fuel higher than 91 Octane, but will also work fine on Avgas (100LL).

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Cockpit

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Both of the gyroplane’s seats are comfortable, with the front seat being more spacious to accommodate for the pilot’s controls. The tandem configuration allows for panoramic views for both the pilot and the passenger. The instrument panel is arranged intuitively with conventional gauges and space for Garmin 696 or 796 GPS, iFly GPS 740. If you are technology savvy you can have your gyroplane with MGL Avionics Xtreme or iEFIS Lite systems. The back seat has a glove box which can be converted into a back seat instrument panel for an instructor.

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Flight Dynamics

 

The American Ranger 1 (AR-1) gyro establishes new norms in modern pusher-style gyroplanes, with its expanded and more effective tail, closer to CG thrust line and offset in-flight dynamics. The AR-1 has little coupling between power and yaw, and power and pitch. This is achieved after careful engineering and flight testing, where other models or similar looking configurations may exhibit these characteristics, AR-1 does not and thus behaves as a more forgiving aircraft.

The AR-1’s high inertia rotor system and clean lines give it a better glide ratio and energy retention, making landing easier and more forgiving – even for beginner pilots. Its flexible landing gear absorb and release energy back slowly rather than simply spring back landing shocks.

Its front (or nose) wheel is linked to the rudder for easier taxing, but also has trail which allows a good compromise in both ground handling and in lessening danger of a pilot touching down the nose wheel while the front wheel is angled sideways (like in a crosswind but there is still some forward speed left). The front wheel will try to straighten itself out. In fact, the faster you go, the more the front wheel wants to go straight.

Additionally, the AR-1’s landing gear fairings act as small wings at faster speeds and also help further stabilize the gyroplane. A full descending pedal turn shows its effective rudder without power at very slow speeds. These points show the AR-1’s superior in-flight control compared to similar configurations. It’s possible to have five bags. Two under front seat bags provide spacious storage of up to 15 pounds. Optional landing gear fairing large wrap around bags, afford you ample space to pack for an adventurous weekend getaway.

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