Pure Autogyro Version

Carter has a preliminary design for a 2 place PAV, with the intent of it being an entry level Carter rotorcraft. To keep the aircraft as simple as possible, the original version will be a pure autogyro, with the rotor and prop very similar in design to those used on the Carter Gyro Demonstrator Trainer (CGD/T). The aircraft would be capable of jump takeoffs and zero roll landings similar to those of the CGD/T (videos available on the CGD/T page), while having a cruise speed of around 120 mph with a Rotax 912S engine, or 130 mph with a turbocharged Rotax 914. The cabin would be fully enclosed, with a sliding canopy that could be removed for open cockpit flight. The aircraft will have an empty weight around 700 lbs, and a max gross weight of 1300 lbs.

Tilting Canopy

You may place a refundable deposit on this aircraft. Once there are sufficient deposits, this aircraft will be put into production. As part of buying the aircraft, potential purchasers would first learn to fly the aircraft on a modified X-Plane flight simulator at their home, before visiting the manufacturing facility for a factory flight training course, which would vary in length depending on the previous experience of the customer. To ensure safety, potential purchasers will be required to have an autogyro license before finalizing the purchase. The purchaser would then complete a 2 week assembly of their aircraft at the manufacturing facility. To comply with the FAA regulations for kit aircraft, the purchaser would build at least 51% of the aircraft. A trained factory technician will help with up to 49% of the construction. Not included in the required 51% build rule is the engine installation, instrument panel, and interior/exterior finish, which will be completed by the factory. The rotor and propeller will also be manufactured by the factory. To keep costs down, the aircraft would be offered with only a limited number of options - a choice from probably two engines, a standardized avionics package to allow the manufacturer to negotiate the best deals from suppliers, and a unique paint scheme each year, or the option of having the aircraft delivered with primer, only. If you're interested, please visit our Placing an Order page for more information on how to make a deposit.

Slowed Rotor/Compound Version

Following the autogyro version, Carter would provide a slowed rotor/compound (SR/C) variant. With a turbocharged Rotax 914, it would have a cruise speed of around 175 mph at 17,500 ft and 165 mph at 10,000 ft, or 145 mph at 5,000 ft with a Rotax 912S engine. This aircraft would utilize the same components as the pure autogyro, but would add wing extensions to enable slowing and unloading the rotor for high speed flight. Additional changes would include a constantly variable automatic mechanical rotor pitch, ailerons in the wings, and an in-flight moveable horizontal stabilizer and tilting mast for high speed control. Because of the additional components, the empty weight will be around 50 lbs more than the autogyro version at 750 lbs, with a gross weight of 1300 lbs. For customers who already purchased the pure autogyro version, Carter would make all the necessary modifications & components available at a reduced price.

More Images:

Pure Autogyro Version

Slowed Rotor/Compound Version