Imperial War Museum Duxford hosts press call for autogyro
world circumnavigation record attempt
Imperial War Museum Duxford is delighted to host a press call for the launch of an autogyro
world circumnavigation record attempt on Thursday 11 March at 10.30am.
The press call will commence with the autogyro flying into Imperial War Museum Duxford. It
will land on the IWM Duxford airfield , providing an opportunity to photograph or film the
autogyro as it comes onto the airfield.
The autogyro crew will then be available for photo opportunities and interview next to the
autogyro. There is also the opportunity for photographs to be taken with the autogyro crew
next to Imperial War Museum Duxford’s own autogyro in historical context within the
Museum.
Autogyros played a vital role in the war effort during the Second World War, enabling Britain
to calibrate radar throughout the Battle of Britain. A top secret system at the time, the
contribution made by the autogyro to the greatest aerial conflict can only now be openly
discussed.
RAF Duxford played a prominent role in the Battle of Britain. ImperialWar Museum Duxford
commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, together with the pilots and
aircraft that flew from RAF Duxford, in a range of events in 2010, including Duxford in the
Battle of Britain photographic exhibition (running from mid-April 2010); Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight and the RAF Today (Saturday 15 May); Spring Air Show (Sunday 16 May) and
The Battle of Britain Air Show (Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September).
The autogyro is the only powered aircraft type that has yet to circumnavigate the globe,
despite the fact that the first example of the type became airborne in 1923, some 87 years
ago. This truly represents the last great aviation challenge considering the unique rigors
imposed by the pioneering spirit of an open cockpit, single-engined, light aircraft.
In addition to a world record attempt, this expedition aims to raise funds for international
cancer research.
