DE LA CIERVA JUAN: (1895-1936) Spanish Aeronautical Engineer. Inventor of the ''Autogiro'', the world's first successful flight of a rotary-wing aircraft. Rare T.L.S., `J.de la Cierva´, one page, 4to, London, 21st August 1931, on his "The Cierva Autogiro Company Ltd" printed stationery, Bush House, Aldwych, London, to Mr. Donald F. Rose, on board of the Aquitania, Southampton. De la Cierva states in part `I am delighted to hear you are coming to this country, and I hope that I will have the pleasure of seeing you and talking about "our literary success". I shall also be very pleased to show to you our latest machines, which I believe represent quite a sensational advance upon any previous Autogiros´. De la Cierva further explains why he is staying in London, saying `I am at present staying in London mostly because the latest machine has been built by the De Havilland Company whose works are near here´ Before concluding De La Cierva sends an interesting wish to his correspondent, stating `I hope that you have enjoyed a good crossing and that Mrs. rose, your daughter and the "leading feminine authority on the Autogiro" will enjoy the vacation´ Small overall minor creasing and staining, with a very light blue stain partially affecting the signature.

 

De la Cierva's work on rotor dynamics made possible the modern helicopter. Autogiros were built in many countries under his licenses, including France, Germany, Japan, Russia and USA. The understanding that he established is applicable to all rotor-winged aircraft. De La Cierva died in an airplane crash