CIERVA C.30A (ROTA I)

CIERVA C.30A (ROTA I) - The Cierva C.30A was the production version of a two-seat autogiro designed by Juan de la Cierva and flown in prototype form in 1933. Under Cierva licence, Avro built 78 in Britain including 12 for RAF to specifica-tion 16/35 as Avro Type 671 Rota I, with 140 hp Civet I (Genet Major) engine. Delivered 1934-35, they were used by No 1448 Flight at Duxford from 1940 and No 529 Sqn until 1945 on calibration duties, primarily along South coast, together with 13 impressed civil machines.

Max speed, lOOmph (161 km/h). Initial climb, 700ft/min (3.56 ml sec). Service ceiling, 8,000 ft (2,438 m). Range, 250 mis (402 km). Empty weight, 1,220 Ib (554 kg). Gross weight, 1,900 Ib (863 kg). Rotor diameter, 37 ft 0 in (11.28 m). Length, 19ft 8'h in (5.99 m).