A gyroplane also known as a Gyrocopter or Autogyro, flies by a free-spinning rotor that turns due to the passage of air through the rotor from below. The downward component of the total aerodynamic reaction of the rotor gives lift to the vehicle and keeps the gyroplane in the air. A separate propeller provides forward thrust and is placed in a tractor configuration with the engine and propeller at the front of the fuselage, or pusher configuration with the engine and propeller at the rear of the fuselage.
