Dick DeGraw Rotocraft
Experimental rotorcraft design, engineering, and flight testing.
Dick DeGraw is an American aircraft inventor, builder, and test pilot known for pioneering gyroplane and helicopter designs, including jump-takeoff rotorcraft and the Hummingbird Synchropter. Dick has built 15 aircraft on his own (at least 7 of his own design) and partnered on 4 others.
Engineering Innovation
DeGraw’s work centers on practical rotorcraft innovation: jump-takeoff systems, custom rotor heads, control systems, and compact aircraft designs built for real-world testing.
His aircraft combine hands-on fabrication, mechanical ingenuity, and flight-test experience across gyroplanes, helicopters, and synchropters.
Rhino 2
View from rear seat of Rhino 2 during takeoff.
Bystander view of Rhino 2 takeoff
Two-seat twin prop jump takeoff gyroplane that pushes the boundaries of rotorcraft design and performance.
Rhino 3
Two-place side-by-side takeoff gyroplane based on the award winning Gyrhino design
Status
For sale
Year
2026
Hummingbird Synchropter
A groundbreaking helicopter featuring counter-rotating blades that eliminate the need for a tail rotor. This synchropter design earned several prestigious honors, including:
Outstanding New Design, Rotorcraft (EAA Oshkosh)
Best Workmanship, Rotorcraft (EAA Oshkosh)
Charles Lindbergh Grand Champion, Rotorcraft (EAA Oshkosh)
Grand Champion Rotorcraft Award (Popular Rotorcraft Association)
Best Flying Helicopter (Popular Rotorcraft Association)
Status
Sold
GyRhino
A distinctive gyroplane that gained national attention for its innovative jump-take off design. NASA showcased the GyRhino at its “Technology 2005” exhibition in Chicago, highlighting its potential in future aviation technology. The GyRhino won both the Innovation Award and the Grand Champion Award for its outstanding design and engineering.
1995 PRA Jump Takeoff Competition Winner
The GyRhino became the first gyroplane to meet the competition’s demanding criteria, including a vertical "jump" takeoff clearing a 10-foot obstacle within 50 feet and completing a 20-mile speed course, earning a $20,000 prize.
Status:
Sold
KT-1
The KT-1 is an experimental helicopter based on the principles demonstrated by the Lockheed XH-51. It utilizes a rigid rotor system that provides highly responsive handling, excellent stability, and the potential for higher-speed flight than conventional articulated rotor designs.
Unlike traditional helicopters, the KT-1 does not have a tail rotor. Rotor torque is balanced by forward facing propellers at the end of short wings, which also can be configured to increasing forward speed.
The rigid rotor system offers several advantages:
Direct and precise control response
Reduced mechanical complexity
Improved hover stability
Greater resistance to gusts and external disturbances
Potential for higher forward flight speeds
The aircraft has been designed to maintain stable hover characteristics while allowing handling qualities that feel more airplane-like than those of a conventional helicopter.
Status
Prototype Development
Configuration
Rigid Rotor / Tail-Rotorless Helicopter
Year
2026
Interested in this aircraft?
For pricing, technical information, or acquisition opportunities, contact Dick DeGraw
Dick’s KT-1 Rotorhead on display at Oshkosh
More Rotorcraft Work Involving Dick DeGraw
The DeGraw Enduro Timer Dick made for motorcycling competitions
Attitude Indicator developed by Dick and utilized in Hueys UH-1 Helicopters
Dick was a Test Pilot and Consultant for the Carter Copter
Rotor Blade Oven Fixtures made by Dick for Rotorflight Dynamics
