Compact gyroplane employing torque compensated main rotor and hybrid power train

A gyroplane, comprising:

• an airframe which carries and connects a fuselage or pod adapted to carry passenger(s), mechanisms and systems for control of flight, a fuel tank, a piston or turbine internal combustion engine and a propeller to provide horizontal thrust which together form a prime mover system, a tail assembly to provide directional stability and control, attachment points for landing gear, and a mast to carry a torque-compensated main rotor system;
• the gyroplane configured to enable vertical takeoff, landing and hovering;
• wherein the torque-compensated main rotor system includes one or more rotors, with a common collective pitch control mechanism to allow modulation of lift;
• and
• a hybrid drive system and power train allowing power to be transiently applied to the main rotor system before and/or during vertical phases of flight;
• while allowing power to be independently controlled and applied by the prime mover system to produce horizontal thrust, in order to achieve aircraft acceleration and to maintain flight, climb or descend, and allow landing, all in the absence of power application to the main rotor system;
• and
• in which the hybrid drive system and power train comprises an electric rotor motor employed to transiently apply power to the main rotor system to provide prerotation of the one or more rotors and during vertical phases of flight.