Hornet: Plans Built Sport Gyroplane
Don Shoebridge (Tail Number 03-001)

“The Hornet Autogyro started off as a GyroBee spin-off back in 1997 and has progressed to where you see it today. My intention for starting with a GyroBee as the base aircraft was because I wanted to have an ultralight gyrocopter airframe, and I wanted to make the pieces simpler to fabricate. However, in the end, I ended up with several welded assemblies in the final design. This was a result of safety concerns that I had with using aluminum in the overall construction of the airframe. If you look at the strength to weight ratio between 4130N steel and 6061-T6, there really isn't any comparison, except when dealing with stressed skin construction. That's why you will find in the Hornet Documentaion, the landing gear and flight controls are all 4130N steel.”

“The Hornet Documentation Package is free for download from this site, Don Shoebridge's Hornet Homepage or from the Yahoo Groups Site. I encourage you to join the Hornet Discussion Group, there you can feel free to ask questions and read builders insites on construction and latest developments of the Hornet Autogryo.”

Click on images for larger view.

Hornet Sport Gyroplane	Specifications
Note	CG Location shown on drawing with Rotax 447 engine.
Maximun Empty Weight	254 lbs."
Maximun Pilot Weight	250 lbs (CG shown with 225lbs pilot.
Height	7' 6"
Width	6' 2"
Length	11' 4 1/2" Not including main rotor.
Take-Off Run	*600 - 800 feet
Cruise Air Speed	*45 - 50 mph
Maximum Rate-of-Climb	*750 fpm
Maximum Air Speed	*63 mph
Fuel Load	5 gallons CG shown with full fuel load.
Engine	Rotax 447 with Type "B" gear box Rotax 503DC Maximum
Propeller	60" - 66" Powerfin
Rotor Diameter	24'
Range	45 - 55 miles

*Estimated performance at a 4460'Airfield (Cold Day).
Don Shoebridge's Hornet Homepage Site.


Join The Hornet Autogyro Group.