Ikenga 530Z Autogiro - First Flight.mov

The first flight of David Gittens' Ikenga 530Z Autogiro piloted by Mark Hallett in June 1988 at the (ESO) Espanola Airport, NM, US. Powered by a tractor-configured Suzuki 95hp water-cooled motor and flying 23-foot McCutchen Skywheels rotors, the Ikenga 530Z Autogiro had a Vmax of 125mph, Vmin of 23mph, service ceiling of 14,500 ft., and could land with a 0-10' rollout.

The name "Ikenga" originates in the Ibo mythology of Eastern Nigeria and refers to the destiny, the creative life force, brought onto the terrestrial plane in an individual's incarnation.

The Ikenga 530Z Autogiro resides in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC and is their first aircraft by a designer/builder of African American heritage.

Ikenga 530Z received the Reserve Grand Champion Rotorcraft Award at the 1988 EAA Osh Kosh International Air Convention, Best New Design in Rotorcraft Award at the 1988 PRA International Rotorcraft Convention, and Grand Champion Rotorcraft Award at the 1988 Albuquerque International Airshow.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Ikenga
• Ikenga 530Z
• David Gittens
• Mark Hallett
• Autogiro
• Rotorcraft
• Flying
• Aircraft
• NASM
• EAA
• PRA
• Gyroplane
• National Air and Space Museum
• Popular Rotorcraft Association
• Design
• prototype aircraft
• test flight

[elainesummersdance]

OH David How amazing your brilliant mind is!!!!! Thank you We have all been watching and loving the constant development of all the exciting stories of you and your friends as we all can enjoy what a wonderful life imagination & action & the love of exploring & living ideas. Bon Courage & thanks for all the friends who are curious & who help us fly with loving appreciation of your light elaine SkyTime

[tweenthyfourseventow]

brilliant 

[ribeiro34]

hi there,

Is it still in production? why we do not see more of these around?

cheers

[Paintscapefinishes]

Great! Thanks David. May it be rediscovered!

[ObiShawnKenobi]

Nice!!! :o)

[ObiShawnKenobi]

Nice!!! :o)

[89sx]

Very nice , Thanks for posting, I have been gathering info on this gyro for a few years. It is one of my favorites.

[conijohn]

That is awesome! David!!! Who knew?  What an amazing contribution!