A Bulgarian company won first place at a prestigious aviation show in the state of Florida /USA/ for experimental flying machines. It has been held every year since 1960 and is one of the best attended events of its kind. The Bulgarian gyroplane won the “1st Place Two-place Gyroplane” trophy at Bensen Days 2022.

But what really is a gyroplane?

It is a hybrid between a helicopter and a plane. The name of the model is "Kallithea", which translated from Greek, means “beautiful view”. With a maximum weight of 600 kg, a carbon hull and its ability to fly over hard-to-reach areas, the machine can be used for a variety of operations because it is extremely manoeuvrable.

The Bulgarian company's first gyroplane was created 22 years ago, but never made it to the market. In 2004, the company’s engineers created the successor model, which in 2008 made a successful test flight at an airport near the Bulgarian town of Montana. Development of the award-winning model, the "Kallithea", started in 2011. Today the company employs over 25 Bulgarian specialist engineers.

Compiled by: Yoan Kolev

English: Elizabeth Radkova