Chimera
Chimera Aviation Ltd
Contents
History
Chimera Aviation Ltd was formed in January 2016 by Barry Jones, a former British Military (Army Air Corps) Helicopter Pilot and Chief Instructor. Based at Tatenhill Airfield Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, the company developed the Dragon autogyro. It was a sister firm to BJJR, which worked on the Bulldog autogiro, with both aircraft relying on engineering inputs from EPM Technology Group of Derby. The design originated in testbed for the broad-chord rotor developed by BJJR company for the Bulldog. The unflown prototype unveiled at Farnborough International on 11 July 2016.
Although still extant in 2024, there appears to have been no further activity with the Dragon design since 2018.
Company References
Project Data
| Project No | Type No | Name | Alternative Name(s) | Year | Spec (Requirement) | Status | Qty | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon GBT 1170 | 2016 | Proto | 1 | 1S, 1E autogyro ultralight | 1,2,3 |
Project References
- Pilot Magazine 1 Jun 2018
- http://chimera-aviation.com/
- https://www.flyer.co.uk/bulldog-inspires-autogyro-trike-from-chimera-aviation/
Production Details and Type Description
Aimed as an entry-level autogyro, the Dragon used an airframe that’s similar to a microlight trike. The structure was of aluminium alloy square tubing with carbon fibre skin; 'Trike' elements from P&M Aviation Quik flex-wing were incorporated. An EPM Technology rotor of Rohacell foam was used, with carbon fibre cladding and Kevlar leading-edge. An electric motor was used to ‘pre-spin’ the main rotor, supplied by an onboard battery. One 123 h.p. BMW 1170 cc air-cooled, flat-two powerplant, driving an Arplast three-blade, ground-adjustable pitch, pusher propeller.
Total Chimera Production1