Brock KB-2 Freedom Machine
Ken Brock at Oshkosh 2001
Role Autogyro
National origin United States of America
Manufacturer Ken Brock Manufacturing
Designer Ken Brock
First flight 1970
Developed from Brock KB-1 Gyroplane

The KB-2 Freedom Machine is an autogyro designed by Ken Brock based on the designs of the Bensen B-8.[1][2]

Design and development

Ken Brock was an early innovator in homebuilt gyrocopters starting with his first ride in 1957.[3] Brock set to work on building and marketing a series of homebuilt gyroplanes with the KB-1 and later the KB-2.[4]

Operational history

Ken Brock used his KB-2 design for years in airshow acts and completed several world records. In 1971 he completed the first coast-to-coast autogyro flight from Long Beach, California to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.[5]

Variants

KB-2
Powered variant
KB-2G
Variant with the same frame and rotor head as a KB-2. The "glider" is a two-seat gyroplane designed to be towed by car. The aircraft with the same frame and rotor assembly can be converted to a powered gyroplane.[6]

Aircraft on display

A 1970 demonstrator KB-2 is in the EAA Airventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Specifications (KB-2)

Data from EAA

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 1
  • Empty weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
  • Gross weight: 600 lb (272 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × McCulloch 4318 , 90 hp (67 kW)
  • Main rotor diameter: 2 × 12 ft (3.7 m)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 61 kn (70 mph, 110 km/h)
  • Range: 520 nmi (600 mi, 970 km)
  • Rate of climb: 1,900 ft/min (9.7 m/s)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brock KB-2.
  1. ↑ "Brock KB-2 Gyroplane". Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
  2. ↑ Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 57. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  3. ↑ Henry Doering (1980). Book of buffs, masters, mavens, and uncommon experts.
  4. ↑ "Good Gyrations". Popular Science. November 1998.
  5. ↑ Popular Mechanics. Nov 1971. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ↑ Popular Science. February 1982. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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