Cierva C.17 Autogiro

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The Cierva C.15 and C.16 designations seemingly remained as mere projects. Cierva’s subsequent autogiro received the index C.17 (Avro Type 612). This was a scaled-down version of the C.8L Mk III aircraft, featuring a 90 hp (67 kW) Cirrus III engine and based on the Avian IIIA fuselage.

Table of Contents

Development and Initial Trials

Juan de la Cierva himself flew it on October 23, 1928. The aircraft proved to be insufficiently powered. A second version, the C.17 Mk II (G-AABP), was later built with a 100 hp (75 kW) Alpha radial engine. This machine also proved unsuccessful and was converted back into an airplane in 1935.

The Cierva C.18 Autogiro

The designation C.18 was assigned to a two-seater autogiro, constructed in France by the “Weymann-Lepere” company in 1929. It was equipped with a 195 hp (145 kW) Salmson AC7 radial engine. The sole example was imported to Britain by the “Cierva Autogiro Company” and registered there in June 1929. It was rumored to have later made its way to the USA.

Technical Specifications

Modification	С.17 Mk.1
Main rotor diameter, m	10.14
Fuselage length, m	8.77
Height, m	3.38
Empty weight	458
Normal takeoff weight	655
Engine type	1 Piston engine ADC Cirrus III
Power, hp	1 x 90
Maximum speed, km/h	145
Cruising speed, km/h	125
Practical range, km	338
Crew, crew members	1+1

Image and diagram gallery of the Cierva C.17 Autogiro

British

ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team

A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.

Sources & Accuracy

The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.

C.17	C.17
C.17	C.17