1-151-788 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage Images

Autogiro, designed by Spanish engineer Juan de la Cierva, 1928. 'Un appareil de vol, susceptible de s'élever ou d'atterir verticalement, ferait faire un progress immense à l'aviation. Est-il réalisé? Vous trouverez ice réponse à cette question'. (A flying machine capable of vertical takeoff and landing would represent an immense advancement for aviation. Has it been achieved? You will find the answer to this question here.) Juan de la Cierva y Codorníu (1896-1936) was an aviator, politician, and inventor of the autogyro, a precursor to the helicopter. From "Le Petit Inventeur", Paris, 1928.