In the mid-1950s, advancements in helicopter technology made a vehicle like this possible. At the end of the Korean War, the U.S. Navy was looking for a small sized helicopter that could be dropped to downed pilots stranded behind enemy lines. Gyrodyne Company of America was awarded the contract and built prototypes to demonstrate their new invention. Three different engines were experimented with over the next few years and this model is equipped with a Porsche 4-cylinder internal combustion engine. Demand by the Navy soon switched to radio-controlled pilotless drones and in 1964 all XRON Rotorcycle work ceased. Allan Barklage donated this Rotorcycle to the museum in 1984. Number built 10 Max Speed 78 mph Cruise Speed 60 mph