GLIDING HELICOPTER MAY BE SEEN IN TAUPO SOON

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 67, 26 August 1965, Page 1

GLIDING HELICOPTER MAY BE SEEN IN TAUPO SOON

Throughout New Zealand, new gliding helicopters, called Benson Gyro Gliders, have become increasingly popular. A Taupo businessman is in the process of making one. Because of import restrictions, only the materials are ready as yet, and the glider is expected to take approximately six months to build. The idea was originated by the Germans in 1942, when these glider s were towed be-( hind submarines to spot Allied convoys. In 1953, the Americans began producing plans for themselves, and last year, these were made public. Many people, including the secretary of the N.Z. Roto-

craft Association, Mr A. B. Crowe, of Bulls, have bought the plans with the intention of building their own glider. Now there are 30 aircraft throughout New Zealand, but they are not all flying as yet. Mr Crowe plans to show his glider in Taupo on September 11 and 12. This will help those who are building their own and give the public a chance to learn more about them. The gliders are based on the principle of a windmill and are towed behind cars. When enough pressure builds up under the base of the glider, it is lifted into the air. The propellers are turned by the air-flow.