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A Kellett Autogiro flying mail off the roof of the Philadelphia Post Office at 8th and Chestnut Streets, circa 1935.
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A Kellett Autogiro flying mail off the roof of the Philadelphia Post Office at 8th and Chestnut Streets, circa 1935.

Credit: Courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Archives

Using Cierva and Pitcairn designs, the Kellett Autogiro Company of Philadelphia, PA, produced its own autogiros in the 1930s, which made use of a larger blade area, simplified landing gear, and wider fuselage to accommodate side-by-side seating. Interested in a slow flying aircraft that could observe enemy forces and direct artillery fire, both the American Army and Japanese War Office purchased Kellett autogiros in the 1930s. Thrilling armchair adventurers across the nation, Admiral Richard E. Byrd flew a Kellett K-3 on his Antarctic Expedition of 1933-1934.

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