Bensen B-8
The Bensen B-8 is a small, single-seat autogyro developed in the United States in the 1950s. Although the original manufacturer stopped production in 1987, plans for homebuilders are still available as of 2025. Its design was a refinement of the Bensen B-7, and like that aircraft, the B-8 was initially built as an unpowered rotor-kite. It first flew in this form in 1955, and on 6 December a powered version, designated B-8M (M for motorised) first flew. The design proved to be extremely popular and long-lasting, with thousands of sets of plans sold over the next thirty years.
Summary from Wikipedia, photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA.
- Manufacturer
- Bensen Aircraft
- Category
- Helicopters
- First flight
- 1955-12-06
- Length
- 3.43 m
Specifications
- Cruise speed
- 52 kt
- Max speed
- 74 kt
- Range
- 87 nm
- Service ceiling
- 12,500 ft
- Rate of climb
- 1,000 ft/min
- Max takeoff weight
- 500 lb
- Empty weight
- 247 lb
- Fuel capacity
- 6 US gal
- Powerplant
- McCulloch Model 4318AX
- Engines
- 1
- Seats
- 1
- Length
- 11.3 ft
- Wingspan
- 20 ft
- Height
- 6.3 ft
Specifications are approximate and may vary by variant. Compiled from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Reference and training only. Specifications vary by variant — consult the manufacturer and the official documents.