RAeS Bedford branch lecture: Gyroplanes, the history and future. Is Cierva turning in his grave?

The Cierva named lecture has been the main annual rotorcraft RaeS lecture since 1961. Yet the pure, gyroplane the invention of Cierva, has been largely ignored by Aeronautical Engineers. That may be about to change with so called Urban Air Mobility concepts and eVTOL. The gyroplane created by Cierva to enhance safety is today commonly viewed as a death trap. How did the gyroplane develop since Cierva, its current use and future applications and why Cierva might be turning in his grave. Delivered 13th March 2025.