"The Only Part 127 Certified Gyroplane in the World" Back in the Sport Aviation Fray

ARC AeroSystems announced the return of the Avian Pegasus Gyroplane.

Avian stemmed from employees of Avro Canada, designing their gyroplanes in Canada and ultimately producing 3 prototype pre-production aircraft to work through the certification process. Ultimately, the firm died out in the early 70s, with its assets put up for sale. One remaining prototype, along with the design's rights and type certification, found their way into ARC AeroSystems' hands in 2023. Their rendition, the Pegasus, will sport the same 'jump take-off' and zero-roll landing capability as the original design.

ARC says that test flights will begin shortly, after the sole remaining vintage Pegasus is restored to an airworthy state. Once it is, it will "serve as a technology demonstrator for ARC's 9-seat Linx P9 Compound gyroplane currently under development." The Linx will incorporate the same oddball "jump take-off" tech of the Pegasus, while opting for a hybrid propulsion system in place of the original's Lycoming piston engine.

Another development campaign will "explore the potential of the Pegasus as a retro solution to the modern problem of air-taxis and urban air mobility", building on its combination of vertical performance and prior certification. If they can leverage modern improvements in tech - of which there are many since the original's 60s-era design - they could have a jumpstart on similar whirligig products in the AAM space.

FMI: www.arcaerosystems.com