American Kitefliers Association

Work has started on the AG. I am using SolidWorks for the design now. I have made a few changes to the rotor hub in order to make it easier to manufacture. Here is a rendering of the computer model.

Looks like a really neat project.  Keep the updates coming.

Not that you need it, but coincidentally someone is selling old magazine plans for an auto-gyro kite on ebay at this very moment. 

BTW, what is it that makes this a "kite" as opposed to an air toy?

What makes it a kite is that it is flown on the end of a line. Just like a fabric and stick kite, except it gets its lift from rotary wings instead of fixed wings.
I found those Plans, Thanks,
Regards, Ray

This is "Blue" which was on loan to the late Olan Turner. Olan was the king pin of the Core Creek Kite Day in eastern Pennsylvania.
I don't know where this kite is now.
Regards, Ray

TBHinPhilly,
I got those ebay plans. It is an interesting design. Counter rotating wings. It looks cool except for the vertical vane extending from the mast. I wonder if it is really necessary.
Regards, Ray

Ray,

I have never built one so I cannot speak from experience.  With the counter rotating wings, however, the vertical vane may be necessary for stability.

Good luck with the building and give us an update,
Ben

BTW are you a PSM expert per chance?  If you are this is one small world.

TBH,
Since I have to ask what PSM is, I guess I am not what you think I might be. I attended a vocational high school, learning first how to do precision work with files. That was followed by a four year tool and die maker's apprentship. Years of working as a machinist in one shop after another, many years designing automatic machines, computer programming, my own business, racing motorcycles, racing bicycles, high power rifle, sailboats and now so much free time I don't know where it goes!(grin)
Regards, Ray

It Flies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vv4aO0ZBXs
http://www.autogyro.ray-vin.com/
Wind speed at ground level was 8 to 12 mph.
Weak wood near the nose broke during a premature landing at an unfavorable angle. It is epoxied now with some bracing and I hope to have it well trimmed sometime tomorrow.
Regards, Ray

Now that is looking good.   The flight is pretty stable.   I would have expected the flight angle to have been much higher, what prevents it from going directly overhead?  I am guessing the rotors are not cabable of providing complete lift as they rely on the wind have drag from it.