Magni Gyro M24 Orion

Single Piston

The Magni M24 Orion is a two-seat Italian autogyro designed for sport flying and flight training, representing the modern renaissance of rotary-wing ultralight aviation. Built by Magni Gyro of Besnate, Italy, the M24 entered production in the early 2000s and quickly became one of Europe's most popular gyroplane designs, combining docile handling with open-cockpit simplicity. Unlike helicopters, autogyros use an unpowered rotor for lift while a conventional engine-driven propeller provides thrust, making them mechanically simpler, more fuel-efficient, and less expensive to operate. The Orion's single Rotax 914 turbocharged piston engine delivers 115 horsepower, enabling cruise speeds around 80 knots and a never-exceed velocity of 115 knots—modest by fixed-wing standards but well-suited to low-altitude scenic flying and short-field operations. With a maximum takeoff weight under 1,000 pounds, the M24 qualifies as an ultralight or microlight in many jurisdictions, reducing regulatory burden for owner-operators. Its short takeoff roll (often under 100 meters) and near-vertical descent capability make it ideal for confined spaces, while the open tandem cockpit offers unmatched visibility. The type has found roles in aerial photography, pipeline patrol, and recreational flying across Europe, Oceania, and beyond. SkyMeter has tracked 3 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with activity spanning routes.