Does the head of the autogyro have to be controlled for direction or can the head be free swiveling/pivoting and directional control made by the autogyros rudder and elevator.

Most autogyros use conventional elevator and rudder control along with the rotor head tilting side to side. However, autogyros will fly with DC (direct control) just by tilting the rotor head side to side and fore and aft. In this design, no conventional elevator or rudder are used.

Phil

The gyro head tilting side to side, would that be just teetering back and forth freely on a pivot or is there some type of servo control? and why?
Thanks again. Sorry I don't have a clue but I do have interest.
Ace

Try www.autogyro.com

Lots of good articles on there. Look under Technical.

Steve

I would say that a rotor -must- be either fixed in place (non -tilting) or connected to a control such as a servo (tilting).... other wise the model would not fly. The rotor is simply a 'rotating' wing. Picture trying to fly a normal model airplane without the wing attached securely.... allowing it to twist/turn at will.