Juan de la Cierva, a Spanish engineer and aviator, was driven by his interest in creating safer aircraft that could take off and land with greater flexibility than conventional airplanes. By incorporating a rotor system into the design of an aircraft, he created the autogyro, which allows for lower speed flight and shorter takeoff distances. On September 1, 1923, he accomplished his ambition by successfully flying the first prototype of his autogyro in Getafe, Spain. This leap not only showcased his ingenuity but also marked the beginning of a new era in aviation.

The flight demonstrated the autogyro’s unique capabilities, wherein the rotor blades turn freely in the presence of airflow, providing lift during flight while the thrust is generated by a conventional engine. This hybrid design allowed for improved safety, especially in emergency landings due to the autogyro’s ability to glide when engine power is lost. Following this initial test, de la Cierva continued to refine his designs, leading to further innovations in rotary-wing aircraft.

De la Cierva's work extended beyond the prototype; he provided vital insights into practical rotorcraft design. His contributions would eventually inspire the development of helicopters decades later, which expanded the capabilities of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The significance of his achievement was recognized globally, influencing both civilian aviation and military applications in the years that followed.