Kellett Autogiro

Using Cierva and Pitcairn designs, the Kellett Autogiro Company of Philadelphia, PA, produced its own autogiros in the 1930s, which made use of a larger blade area, simplified landing gear, and wider fuselage to accommodate side-by-side seating. Interested in a slow flying aircraft that could observe enemy forces and direct artillery fire, both the American Army and Japanese War Office purchased Kellett autogiros in the 1930s. Thrilling armchair adventurers across the nation, Admiral Richard E. Byrd flew a Kellett K-3 on his Antarctic Expedition of 1933-1934.