The gyrodyne combines aspects of each. It has an independent thrust system like the autogyro, but can also drive the rotor to allow vertical takeoff and landing; it then changes to free spinning like an autogyro during cruising flight.

What is a gyrodyne used for?

A gyrodyne is a type of aircraft with a rotor like system used to provide vertical thrust for takeoff and landing and also one or more conventional propellers used to provide forward thrust during horizontal flight.

How does a rotodyne work?

The Rotodyne had a large, four-bladed rotor and two Napier Eland N.E.L. 3 turboprops, one mounted under each of the fixed wings. The rotor blades were a symmetrical aerofoil around a load-bearing spar. ... Each engine supplied air for a pair of opposite rotors; the compressed air was mixed with fuel and burned.