Little Wing autogyro sets five new performance world records 

FIVE world records for flying a autogyro have been ratified by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI). American Andy Keech, flying a Little Wing LW-5 autogyro nicknamed 'Woodstock', set the records last February but they have only just been approved.

The records are all in the Class E (Rotorcraft) category, and were set on 14 February on a flight from North Little Rock, Arkansas to Statesville, North Carolina, in the USA :
1 Distance without landing 1082.91km (Previous record: 993.27km, set in 2004 by Keech).(22.02.2004 - Andrew C. KEECH, USA).

2 Distance without landing, takeoff weight 500-1000kg sub-class) 1082.91km (previous record: 615.34km, set in 1989 by Frank Anders, USA).

3 Time to climb to a height of 3000m: 39 min 40 sec (new).

4 Altitude without payload: 4397 metres (14,426ft) (previous record 3317mt, set in 1986 by Charles Fitzsimmons, USA).

5 Speed over a closed circuit of 100km without payload: 103.51km/h (new).

The Little Wing is powered by a 115hp Rotax engine and is designed by Ron Herron. 'Woodstock' was modified by Herron for the records with two auxiliary long-range tanks; 52 gallons of fuel and heavy cruising blades. Woodstock's take-off weight (1132lb) was twice her normal empty weight.

"Woodstock is a remarkable all-around performer," said Keech. "But perhaps best of all, it's the safest and least costly rotorcraft in the skies."

W: www.littlewingautogyro.com