Home >> Internet Games >> Computer Games

Gyrocopter Simulator Games

While developers release highly detailed flight simulator video games year in and year out, the gyrocopter often gets swept to the wayside ̵1; plenty of games let you take control of passenger planes, fighter jets and helicopters, but few put the spotlight on gyros. However, the gyro faithful will be happy to know that a handful of PC flight simulator games feature gyrocopters in the lineup, typically via downloadable content expansions.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 and 2002
- Microsoft's prominent flight simulator series, known simply as ̶0;Microsoft Flight Simulator,̶1; has received regular updates since 1995. Downloadable packages brought the gyrocopter to ̶0;Flight Simulator̶1; in 2000, featuring the Helios autogryo, a two-seater tricycle-type gyrocopter. Expansions for 2002 offer the Wallis autogryo ̶0;Little Nellie,̶1; famously flown by James Bond in the film ̶0;You Only Live Twice,̶1; and the large compound gyrodene, the Fairey Rotodyne. Unreal Aviation's twin-rotor ̶0;Bushman̶1; also appears via download in 2002.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and X
- Golden Age Simulations offer a downloadable package for ̶0;Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004,̶1; sometimes known as ̶0;Flight Simulator 9,̶1; that adds the Pitcairn PCA-2 autogyro to the game. The package includes three historically accurate versions of this 1929 flying machine. Expansions for 2004 also allow players to pilot the 1932 Kellett K3 autogyro. ̶0;Bushman̶1; returns for 2004 as well.
  Downloadable content expansions make ̶0;Little Nellie̶1; available for play in ̶0;Flight Simulator X.̶1;
X-Plane
- ̶0;X-Plane,̶1; up to its 10th version in 2011, offers a realistic simulator alternative to ̶0;Microsoft Flight Simulator,̶1; featuring accurate flying physics, auto-generated scenery and a detailed weather creation system. Carter Aviation Technologies offers ̶0;X-Plane̶1; players a free download that enables them to use the CCTD gyrocopter, the same model used by its test pilots to train. This expansion pack works for ̶0;X-Plane̶1; versions 6.4 and higher.
Phoenix RC v3
- ̶0;Phoenix RC v3̶1; presents a different take on the flight sim, as it simulates the piloting of model aircraft. This game features a realistic physics engine, training and competition modes, online play and 25 flying sites. Among its lineup of 150 model helicopters, fixed-wing planes, watercraft and gliders, ̶0;Phoenix RC v3̶1; offers a single gyrocopter ̵1; the Cierva C-30 autogyro. This model is based on the real Cierva, which debuted in 1934 on order from the Royal Air Force. The three-blade autogyro was used by the French for reconnaissance sorties and by the British for calibration duties.

Computer Games