The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Pitcairn Autogiro 1932

The autogiro was not a helicopter, but a predecessor.  Its overhead blade was essentially just a rotating wing (often unpowered), unlike the helicopter's main blade that provides both thrust and lift.  It could not hover, or take off or land vertically like a helicopter; but it could fly slower than an airplane, and take off/land in much smaller spaces than fixed-wing aircraft.  It was also much simpler mechanically than a helicopter.  I do not know what publication included this 1932 ad for a Pitcairn Autogiro posted by Vintage Ads, but it must have had wealthy readers, since even a car would have been a luxury for many in 1932. 

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