Brock KB-2 Gyroplane
United States — Homebuilt Autogyro

Archive Photos

Brock KB-2 "Gyroplane" (N2393) c.2002 at the EAA AirVenture Museum, Oshkosh, WI (Photos by John Shupek)

Overview ²

• Brock KB-2
• Role: Autogyro
• National origin: United States of America
• Manufacturer: Ken Brock Mfg.
• Designer: Ken Brock
• First flight: 1970
• Unit cost: $2,395 for KB-2G in 1982
• 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.

Design and Development ²

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

Operational History ²

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.

Variants ²

• 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.

Specifications (KB-2) ²

General Characteristics

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

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)

References

1. Shupek, John. Photos, copyright © 2009 Skytamer Images. All Rights Reserved
2. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Brock KB-2