History of the RAF2000 Gyroplane
The origins of the gyroplane go back to 1919 when a Spanish inventor named Juan de la Cierva conceived the auto-rotation concept and developed the first rotary-winged aircraft. The gyroplane preceded the helicopter by about 30 years. Subsequently, the development of the helicopter evolved from these early gyroplane origins. An excellent historical video is available through the EAA called “LEGACY OF WINGS” documenting this information.
In 1943 Bernard J. Haseloh hovered his first experimental helicopter at his shop in Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.
Mr. Haseloh was discouraged from building and testing amateur/experimental built helicopters, by the Government who felt that the technology for the power-driven rotor system was too complex for the private individual.
To further complicate matters, at that time the Government had no regulations in place for amateur/experimental-built helicopters.
Therefore, his keen interest in Rotary –winged Aircraft turned toward the development of gyroplanes, the first of which was successfully completed in 1954
Bernard Haseloh has developed and implemented numerous design and structural innovations for gyroplanes.
His considerable engineering talent leans towards the development of airfoils. This led to the uniqueness of the RAF 2000 Rotor blades a superior airfoil design with the latest technology in a composite and aluminum construction.
Mr. Haseloh has logged more than 2000 hours of flying time on his experimental “HASELOH” designed machines and has spent over 10,000 hours in the development of prototype gyroplanes of “ THE TYPE “ now manufactured and sold by Rotary Air Force South Africa.
Bernard Haseloh held the first Gyro Pilot’s License issued in Canada and is widely recognized as a pioneer in the gyroplane industry. Mr. Haseloh is highly regarded by Federal Aviation Regulators having for many years served as the designated gyroplane instructor for Alberta, Canada.
Bernard Haseloh served as a key technical advisor to the development, testing & design of the Gyroplane, and in 1987 the first aircraft to go into production was the RAF1000.
Recognizing the need for proper flight instruction and to meet the demand for a two-place gyroplane the team introduced the RAF2000 to the market in 1989 as a kit-built.
In 2015 the RAF2000 received production approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and is now available in both Kit-built and factory built.
The RAF 2000 is the world’s finest cross-country gyroplane for free-spirited individuals seeking adventure. The RAF 2000 is a sporty two-seater craft that gives you the freedom to fly in safety and comfort. Whether for work or pleasure, you can enjoy the pleasure and thrill of flight with the RAF 2000.
Rotary Air Force SA offers affordable, professionally maintained gyroplanes for sale and flight instruction. We provide a safe and effective learning situation for our students while adhering to safe practices and to applicable federal and state aviation regulations.
Rotary Air Force SA will ensure that we provide the students, once they have purchased their own gyroplane, with an excellent aircraft for flight training as well as to fly upon successful completion of their training.