Jim you're doing a great job buddy! I'm very grateful you have devoted your life to solving many engineering challenges that make your machines safer, more versatile, reliable and more enjoyable to fly. We like your machines because you don't compromise on these things. You should be extremely proud of your achievements. Steve B (Australia).
The Vortex is the reason I became interested in flying. I was a volunteer firefighter in the late 90's and one of my fellow firefighters came into the fire station with a VCR tape of Jim flying in a filed around a large tree. I didn't have the money for one of his machines but went to a fly in in florida and bought a Bensen for 5K. Thank you Jim for inspiring me to fly.
Good stuff Mark! I've been interested in the gyro side of the hanger for a while now. This vid has really left my gears spinning... and I'm just over the mountain from Jim @ KBDN. Thanks!
"Ranch Gyro" is some brilliant marketing! They are so much more affordable than a whirlybird. The old Air Command 447 was quite adept at catching my pre-teen imagination.
There are about 100 of these in Australia rounding up sheep and cattle in the place of the Bell 47 and Robinson R22 on 4 gallons per hour. One machine can "muster" a million acres of land.
Mark, You hit it out of the ball park again, great stuff. When you do the follow up visit, could you focus a little on the rotorhead dynamics and rotor construction? Nobod is doing this kind of stuff on RUclips. Thanks
Jim Vanek/SportsCopter make some of the very best gyrocopters in the world that's why his M912 is one of the best selling gyrocopters for mustering in Australia excellent excellent quality products 👍🇨🇦
We're coordinating with Jim to come up and do another video. He is working on some tooling for the tail section, so it might be another month, but it is in the works!
The main curiosity over this was what hydrogen cell/converter. I would love to know which one he is talking about. If they master this, the world would substantially change.
The M2 looks like it'll have all the features that I'd look for to meet my flying mission. The addition of cargo pods should be excellent to carry some gear for daytrips, fly-ins, etc. The easily removeable bubble doors will be great too. I can't wait until you post the video of the M2 flying. Hopefully Sport Copter will be able to increase the fuel capacity to feed that 147HP engine for decent range, maybe 25-30 gallons or so. I love the development of the M2 to use the Aeromomentum engine instead of the very expensive Rotax engines, especially the costly 915. Hopefully there'll be simple access to the engine (oil & coolant levels, etc.) for pre-flight checks.
Judging by the genius engineering there, all these things will come most likely to be. The rudder was off when we were there. We will fly it next time.
Great video Mark! Jim is clearly a genius. I’m a huge fan of gyros. Amazing tech in this machine. I do think the European gyros tend to be a bit more attractive. I would like to see SportCopter give more of an eye to design aesthetics. More gyrocopter videos would be great. I think it’s an overlooked segment of aviation.
These are without a doubt well engineered with safety and function the driving factor. I especially like the suspension design. I agree the Arrow Copter is one of the most visually appealing IMO. I’ve never flown either one so I can’t make a judgment on which is better. I’ve followed Sport Copters for some time and wish them success.
Thanks.. Your video is wonderfully quite informative 👌keep it up 👍 From where I can download construction plans of a Gyroplane or Gyrocoptor with n without electric BLDC motor 🤔
Best designed gyro that I've seen so far. What is the price range for one as shown? I'm sure this one will retain it's value much better than the competition. There is so much more engineering going into your craft. What is the cruising speed, and ceiling?
G,day Mark at Skywagon University from Sydney Australia. That is one engineer of distinction with real forward thinking technology. * The carbon fibre is so superior as a fuselage material, but- time, material and construction of moulds are [in my opinion] not comperable with tube and aluminium. That machine would stand beside the mosquito, in the market? Thankyou for detailing this technology. 🌏🇦🇺
@@johnfitzpatrick2469 OK, Yes, probably a lot safer in the gyro because it is in permanent auto-rotation. Light helicopters have to be put into auto-rotation in a very very short amount of time after an engine failure to maintain rotor speed and glide to s safe landing. Also, wheels helps with this when you hit the ground.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Sorry Mark, again, "probably" means you are making assumptions, that gyro's are safer than gyro's. If an engine fails in either you are with decent training, going down at a 45 degree or less angle.
SportCopter website shows Copyright 2021, yet their supposedly Current Model shows “coming in 2017” and “will be introduced in 2019” attached to new (not future) planes.
The M2 flew very smoothly and I didn't notice any shake to speak of. I'm sure there was a bit, but I was excited to fly the M2 and was not aware of it. Compared to the Cavalon I flew, which felt like it was going to shake itself apart, the M2 was a joy to fly. However, full production still has not started. - Don the Camera Guy.
I've got a similar video that I've had trouble uploading due to the size. The problem is a lack of production. The same prototype has been around for years and and the progress to production has a very slow appearance. Wonderful ideas that fall into the bizarre, liquid hydrogen fuel cells for gyros... Lots of good ideas that never end, its a bit like German helicopters during WW2, they kept coming up with new technology etc.
We've been informed by Sport Copter that full production on the M2 will begin in late July. Jim Vanek said he was finally satisfied with the tail feathers. We'll be doing more videos on the M2, including flying videos, as soon as we get a chance.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 I was informed of the same thing exactly two years ago and nothing appears to have changed. The M2 promises have been repeatedly broken. When you see a line of M2 Gyros lined up for delivery, I will believe it, and so will all the people who have paid up front and not yet received their promised M2
In recent conversations, we've been assured that full production is beginning at the end of July. Delays were due to testing and new features that were requested by customers. As you are probably aware, Jim won't release anything until he is completely satisfied with it.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Sport Copter has a never ending list of creative excuses that perpetually justify why a single order of the M2 has not been delivered. Now its the fault of the customers who requested features, then the testing of those features. Go back a few years and there was another trail of endless excuses. Yes, the M2 looks impressive, Jim's ability as a designer is far greater than his ability to deliver a single M2. To give some credit, I'm aware of numerous orders for blades and rotor heads but there are now other suppliers also providing even higher quality rotors and rotor heads.
nothing to compare with those stainlesssteel eurotubs !, no welding not cricks, bolted frame = safety !, good stuff, a pity we don't have them here in europe
The final price had not been worked out yet, and it depends on the engine and instruments you select. However, they have gone into production, so those numbers should be available soon.
Very interesting machine. A couple observations that might have very logical explanations, bar one though.. Jim is very detailed, but I found it a little disconcerting that he didn't know the displacement of the NA, non-Rotax engine sitting there that was first featured. Plus, when he said he was also working on using a "GM" manufactured engine, assumedly the FI and turbo'd he referenced later, *that* shook my bones! 😳 GM are not known for issue-free 4 cylinder engines..not even close. The thought crossed my mind that maybe the use of such an engine was a cost-cutting measure to help offset many other costly design advantages like its suspension etc. Speaking of which, the design of Jim's machine with its practically (my word, cuz sounds optimistic) 0 feet landing, 20 takeoff, would come in mighty handy when that GM motor self-destructs at the worst possible moment. Even religiously diligent maintenance and premature oil changes etc are probably not going to save you. The tried and true Rotax is probably your best bet to complement an otherwise seemingly very impressive aircraft. But I am far far FAR from being an expert, and I have to believe Jim must have confidence in what must be a miraculously new and improved small GM powerplant or he wouldn't consider using it. A couple other observations.. Mark, I think that it's important to always have respect for an aircrafts props, especially ones that are not caged. I know the engine is off and you're just making (a pretty good) video, but I just think that your overall safety stance should be one of not being near or inline with such an exposed threat. My suggestion would be to even momentarily address your audience, at the time you and Jim were standing beside it talking about its air-controlled stick positioning and doors, and basically point out that to it's a good habit to have to always respect that threat. Obviously the habit is useful all the times someone is anywhere near it when running. And if we fast forward to the future, can we even assume that some 'genius' won't think that a remote key fob starting would be a good idea to pre A/C the cockpit or some other nonsense? I know it may sound out-there a bit, but human gadget idiocy is all too prevalent it seems as nanny/luxury tech marches blindly forward in the face of common sense. One other concern I have with any gyroplane is a very bad luck head-on bird strike on the prop. A question for veteran pilots of a gyro, doesn't this still make quite the safety-case for a fixed wing aircraft over one of these? Or are these props so hardy they can slice and dice a big goose without breaking a sweat? Sorry if my post comes across as too negative. I actually enjoyed watching and learning very much. I was especially interested to hear how adamant Jim was on the future of hydrogen electric use. As I age, and as more and more incredibly irritating tiny-penised boy-racer types in their lowered Civics and raised pickups with their abnoxiously loud aftermarket exhausts do a few 'extra' revs when they think they have an audience, I am all for anything that makes our environment a quieter, more peaceful place to endure aging...err..rather, grow old in. And of course, the exhaustive hours perfecting a tough but light suspension with all its obvious benefits makes Jim's gyro a force to be reckoned with...I reckon..
Shooting coyote out of that doesn't seem like a good idea to me. For one thing a semi automatic would most likely be the choice. A shell case thru a pusher prop isn't cool even if it's a 22.
There's better ways to control coyote. Ever see a burro in action? Besides that if you have huge amounts of coyote then you often have far to many rodents. Then you will get to many snakes. So just killing coyote can cause a lot of problems. Fortunately for me There's a neighborhood bobcat who likes my yard. So far he hasn't eaten my. Neighbors little dog. Good kitty.
Interested in the other engine options. I'm not interested in two strokes. But they do have advantages and other people may want to see more along those lines.
I'm a bit sympathetic to my local coyotes. They control rodents and that helps to control our rattlesnakes. I'm in the desert.. But I've also lived almost at timberline in Colorado. The sheep herds suffer badly. Ranchers have to do what they have to do. They aren't dumb people by any stretch ! I also don't believe in telling these pros what they should do. If they have to control coyote then give them a good aircraft.
Jim you're doing a great job buddy! I'm very grateful you have devoted your life to solving many engineering challenges that make your machines safer, more versatile, reliable and more enjoyable to fly. We like your machines because you don't compromise on these things. You should be extremely proud of your achievements. Steve B (Australia).
Yes, he is.
The Vortex is the reason I became interested in flying. I was a volunteer firefighter in the late 90's and one of my fellow firefighters came into the fire station with a VCR tape of Jim flying in a filed around a large tree. I didn't have the money for one of his machines but went to a fly in in florida and bought a Bensen for 5K. Thank you Jim for inspiring me to fly.
They are inspiring machines.
Very nice craft and interesting to love to see more videos on this type of aircraft
More to come!
Excellent info, very cool and this place is so close!
Visit them.
Good stuff Mark! I've been interested in the gyro side of the hanger for a while now. This vid has really left my gears spinning... and I'm just over the mountain from Jim @ KBDN. Thanks!
I want one too.
ruclips.net/video/_4166UnhtpM/видео.html
Mark you ask all right questions
I enjoy your channel l am
Retired A@P IA from south carolina
Thank you. Soon we will do a video about flying these.
WOW! I'm beside myself anticipating the flight follow up.
Ahem,. .. . . . . me too.
"Ranch Gyro" is some brilliant marketing! They are so much more affordable than a whirlybird. The old Air Command 447 was quite adept at catching my pre-teen imagination.
There are about 100 of these in Australia rounding up sheep and cattle in the place of the Bell 47 and Robinson R22 on 4 gallons per hour. One machine can "muster" a million acres of land.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 100 ? Where did that number come from?
Nice presentation! Nice machine! Wish I had one!
So do I
This fella is sooooooo intense! Thanks Mark
He's a genius engineer.
Great interview
Thanks.
Impressive aircraft. Superb effort to make a safe aircraft.
I'm impressed. Interesting guy!!
Fascinating !
I really loved that aircraft. Im eagerly awaiting the flying video.
We hope to get back up there soon and video the M2 flying. It is a remarkable machine. Jim is an interesting guy to talk to.
It's going to be a great one flying it. It is an engineering marvel.
Excellent interviewer you are.
Thanks.
Be seeing you at Oshkosh. All the Best
Mark, You hit it out of the ball park again, great stuff. When you do the follow up visit, could you focus a little on the rotorhead dynamics and rotor construction? Nobod is doing this kind of stuff on RUclips. Thanks
Will do
Jim Vanek/SportsCopter make some of the very best gyrocopters in the world that's why his M912 is one of the best selling gyrocopters for mustering in Australia excellent excellent quality products 👍🇨🇦
They are the best. That is why I am going to buy an M2
Thank you for the video - I'd very much like to see a follow up on this.
Hi Russell! We hope to make it back up in April.
Wonderful machine.
We're coordinating with Jim to come up and do another video. He is working on some tooling for the tail section, so it might be another month, but it is in the works!
The main curiosity over this was what hydrogen cell/converter. I would love to know which one he is talking about. If they master this, the world would substantially change.
Indeed.
The M2 looks like it'll have all the features that I'd look for to meet my flying mission. The addition of cargo pods should be excellent to carry some gear for daytrips, fly-ins, etc. The easily removeable bubble doors will be great too. I can't wait until you post the video of the M2 flying. Hopefully Sport Copter will be able to increase the fuel capacity to feed that 147HP engine for decent range, maybe 25-30 gallons or so. I love the development of the M2 to use the Aeromomentum engine instead of the very expensive Rotax engines, especially the costly 915. Hopefully there'll be simple access to the engine (oil & coolant levels, etc.) for pre-flight checks.
Judging by the genius engineering there, all these things will come most likely to be. The rudder was off when we were there. We will fly it next time.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 When will you post the follow-up video of the M2 flying?
We've been invited up after April. We would like better weather than they have been getting lately.
Innovation through experience.
Yes.
Great video Mark! Jim is clearly a genius. I’m a huge fan of gyros. Amazing tech in this machine. I do think the European gyros tend to be a bit more attractive. I would like to see SportCopter give more of an eye to design aesthetics. More gyrocopter videos would be great. I think it’s an overlooked segment of aviation.
You and me both!
These are without a doubt well engineered with safety and function the driving factor. I especially like the suspension design. I agree the Arrow Copter is one of the most visually appealing IMO. I’ve never flown either one so I can’t make a judgment on which is better. I’ve followed Sport Copters for some time and wish them success.
Here you go Jeff... here's One More gyro video for you... short... Enjoy. ruclips.net/video/T6oxbzWZkmY/видео.html
Thanks.. Your video is wonderfully quite informative 👌keep it up 👍
From where I can download construction plans of a Gyroplane or Gyrocoptor with n without electric BLDC motor 🤔
At minute 13 he goes hard mad science!
The M2 is now in production! We'll have one of our own soon and will post flying videos. Mad science indeed!
Best designed gyro that I've seen so far. What is the price range for one as shown? I'm sure this one will retain it's value much better than the competition. There is so much more engineering going into your craft. What is the cruising speed, and ceiling?
They are about $130,000 and do 100 Kts. Different engines available.
G,day Mark at Skywagon University from Sydney Australia.
That is one engineer of distinction with real forward thinking technology.
* The carbon fibre is so superior as a fuselage material, but- time, material and construction of moulds are [in my opinion] not comperable with tube and aluminium.
That machine would stand beside the mosquito, in the market?
Thankyou for detailing this technology.
🌏🇦🇺
Is the mosquito a gyro?
@@skywagonuniversity5023 No, Helicopter.
@@johnfitzpatrick2469 OK, Yes, probably a lot safer in the gyro because it is in permanent auto-rotation. Light helicopters have to be put into auto-rotation in a very very short amount of time after an engine failure to maintain rotor speed and glide to s safe landing. Also, wheels helps with this when you hit the ground.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Sorry Mark, again, "probably" means you are making assumptions, that gyro's are safer than gyro's. If an engine fails in either you are with decent training, going down at a 45 degree or less angle.
What were the donor engine brands and specs Mark ?
I recon Honda would be a favourite.
There were quite a few other than the good old Rotax variants.
What grade and size is the teeter bolt on the single seater with the white cabin on it ?
That is a very technical question that I do not know the answer to. Sorry.
SportCopter website shows Copyright 2021, yet their supposedly Current Model shows “coming in 2017” and “will be introduced in 2019” attached to new (not future) planes.
We anticipate the Sport Copter website to be updated in the very near future.
I remeber Little Nellie in an old James Bond movie.
I remember.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 what part of this interview were you in sorry. I'm not earl from Sydney about 3 hrs
I would like some comment on stick vibration please
The M2 flew very smoothly and I didn't notice any shake to speak of. I'm sure there was a bit, but I was excited to fly the M2 and was not aware of it. Compared to the Cavalon I flew, which felt like it was going to shake itself apart, the M2 was a joy to fly. However, full production still has not started. - Don the Camera Guy.
I've got a similar video that I've had trouble uploading due to the size. The problem is a lack of production. The same prototype has been around for years and and the progress to production has a very slow appearance. Wonderful ideas that fall into the bizarre, liquid hydrogen fuel cells for gyros... Lots of good ideas that never end, its a bit like German helicopters during WW2, they kept coming up with new technology etc.
We've been informed by Sport Copter that full production on the M2 will begin in late July. Jim Vanek said he was finally satisfied with the tail feathers. We'll be doing more videos on the M2, including flying videos, as soon as we get a chance.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 I was informed of the same thing exactly two years ago and nothing appears to have changed. The M2 promises have been repeatedly broken. When you see a line of M2 Gyros lined up for delivery, I will believe it, and so will all the people who have paid up front and not yet received their promised M2
In recent conversations, we've been assured that full production is beginning at the end of July. Delays were due to testing and new features that were requested by customers. As you are probably aware, Jim won't release anything until he is completely satisfied with it.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Sport Copter has a never ending list of creative excuses that perpetually justify why a single order of the M2 has not been delivered. Now its the fault of the customers who requested features, then the testing of those features. Go back a few years and there was another trail of endless excuses. Yes, the M2 looks impressive, Jim's ability as a designer is far greater than his ability to deliver a single M2. To give some credit, I'm aware of numerous orders for blades and rotor heads but there are now other suppliers also providing even higher quality rotors and rotor heads.
May we ask if you are one of the clients that has an order?
SO, YOU CAN SHUT THE ENGINE AND GLIDE DOWN LAND WITHOUT POWER SAFELY, BUT CAN YOU ACTUALLY GLIDE IT FOR ANY DISTANCES LIKE A MOTO GLIDER.?
Average 4:1 glide ratio for gyros. So, no ... not like a glider at all! But, unlike a helicopter, it is always in autorotation.
I didn't mention. I Want One.
You and me both! - Don the Camera Guy.
nothing to compare with those stainlesssteel eurotubs !, no welding not cricks, bolted frame = safety !, good stuff, a pity we don't have them here in europe
you should have flown it!!
I wish we had, but the rudder was off for some aerodynamic testing. Next time.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 it's been 2 months...apply yourself!
@@plantpower3048 Tomorrow we are doing a video on a beautiful 180. Sorry about the delays. Fires and covid etc. Well talk about it in the video.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 haha I mean for the M2
How much is the M2?
The final price had not been worked out yet, and it depends on the engine and instruments you select. However, they have gone into production, so those numbers should be available soon.
Very interesting machine. A couple observations that might have very logical explanations, bar one though..
Jim is very detailed, but I found it a little disconcerting that he didn't know the displacement of the NA, non-Rotax engine sitting there that was first featured. Plus, when he said he was also working on using a "GM" manufactured engine, assumedly the FI and turbo'd he referenced later, *that* shook my bones! 😳 GM are not known for issue-free 4 cylinder engines..not even close. The thought crossed my mind that maybe the use of such an engine was a cost-cutting measure to help offset many other costly design advantages like its suspension etc. Speaking of which, the design of Jim's machine with its practically (my word, cuz sounds optimistic) 0 feet landing, 20 takeoff, would come in mighty handy when that GM motor self-destructs at the worst possible moment. Even religiously diligent maintenance and premature oil changes etc are probably not going to save you. The tried and true Rotax is probably your best bet to complement an otherwise seemingly very impressive aircraft. But I am far far FAR from being an expert, and I have to believe Jim must have confidence in what must be a miraculously new and improved small GM powerplant or he wouldn't consider using it.
A couple other observations.. Mark, I think that it's important to always have respect for an aircrafts props, especially ones that are not caged. I know the engine is off and you're just making (a pretty good) video, but I just think that your overall safety stance should be one of not being near or inline with such an exposed threat. My suggestion would be to even momentarily address your audience, at the time you and Jim were standing beside it talking about its air-controlled stick positioning and doors, and basically point out that to it's a good habit to have to always respect that threat. Obviously the habit is useful all the times someone is anywhere near it when running. And if we fast forward to the future, can we even assume that some 'genius' won't think that a remote key fob starting would be a good idea to pre A/C the cockpit or some other nonsense? I know it may sound out-there a bit, but human gadget idiocy is all too prevalent it seems as nanny/luxury tech marches blindly forward in the face of common sense.
One other concern I have with any gyroplane is a very bad luck head-on bird strike on the prop. A question for veteran pilots of a gyro, doesn't this still make quite the safety-case for a fixed wing aircraft over one of these? Or are these props so hardy they can slice and dice a big goose without breaking a sweat?
Sorry if my post comes across as too negative. I actually enjoyed watching and learning very much. I was especially interested to hear how adamant Jim was on the future of hydrogen electric use. As I age, and as more and more incredibly irritating tiny-penised boy-racer types in their lowered Civics and raised pickups with their abnoxiously loud aftermarket exhausts do a few 'extra' revs when they think they have an audience, I am all for anything that makes our environment a quieter, more peaceful place to endure aging...err..rather, grow old in.
And of course, the exhaustive hours perfecting a tough but light suspension with all its obvious benefits makes Jim's gyro a force to be reckoned with...I reckon..
S L O W...! but useful for the right mission.
About the same speed as a 172 on half the fuel. The utility and short-field, off-airport is stunning though.
Shooting coyote out of that doesn't seem like a good idea to me. For one thing a semi automatic would most likely be the choice. A shell case thru a pusher prop isn't cool even if it's a 22.
It's definitely not a good idea for the Coyotes.
There's better ways to control coyote. Ever see a burro in action? Besides that if you have huge amounts of coyote then you often have far to many rodents. Then you will get to many snakes. So just killing coyote can cause a lot of problems. Fortunately for me There's a neighborhood bobcat who likes my yard. So far he hasn't eaten my. Neighbors little dog. Good kitty.
Interested in the other engine options. I'm not interested in two strokes. But they do have advantages and other people may want to see more along those lines.
I'm a bit sympathetic to my local coyotes. They control rodents and that helps to control our rattlesnakes. I'm in the desert.. But I've also lived almost at timberline in Colorado. The sheep herds suffer badly. Ranchers have to do what they have to do. They aren't dumb people by any stretch ! I also don't believe in telling these pros what they should do. If they have to control coyote then give them a good aircraft.
You have to be crazy to fly a gyro!
Well, color me crazy then, 'cause I'm buying one! -Don the Camera Guy.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 2 things fall out of the sky; birdshit and fools...
Well, I hope you don't hurt yourself when you fall.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Love your station, but don't get in that Gyro! otherwise it's, ""farewell and adieu you Spanish ladies..."