The EICH JE-2 Gyroplane is an American experimental rotorcraft designed and constructed by Jim (James) Eich. Completed and first flown in 1977, the JE-2 was conceived as a low-cost, two-place homebuilt aircraft featuring dual controls. Unlike mass-produced aircraft, the JE-2 never entered certified series production; it is regarded as a prototype or a one-off design, although a small number of follow-on builds may have occurred. Evidence of its existence in the United States is supported by the registration of at least one airframe, N44BG.
Designed by Jim Eich, the aircraft utilizes a simple truss fuselage skeleton constructed from approximately 100 to 150 feet of aluminum tubing. This design choice was driven by cost-efficiency, with the tubing materials estimated at roughly $300 in period currency. The aircraft is equipped with a 26-foot diameter Rotordyne rotor system and employs a pusher engine layout, where the powerplant is positioned behind the cockpit to provide forward thrust. While the aircraft is confirmed as a two-seat design, the specific seating geometry—whether side-by-side or tandem—is not documented in available records.
Technical specifications for the prototype indicate a useful load of approximately 400 lb. The JE-2 was initially powered by a 65 hp Continental A-65 four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed, air-cooled piston engine. This powerplant allowed for a maximum speed of approximately 90 to 95 mph, with cruise speeds ranging from 60 mph with two occupants to 70 mph with a single pilot. The prototype was later upgraded to an 85 hp Continental engine. Performance figures for the JE-2 include a takeoff distance of about 500 feet and a remarkably short landing distance of approximately 50 feet. Climb rates varied by load, reaching 600 ft/min with the designer alone and dropping to 200 ft/min when carrying a 180 lb passenger. Fuel consumption was recorded at slightly less than 5 gallons per hour, providing a range of roughly 195 miles.
Despite its performance on low power, the JE-2 faced stability challenges. Anecdotal reports from experienced operators suggest a design flaw that made the aircraft susceptible to a flat spin during extreme control inputs. Because of these characteristics and its limited production, the JE-2 remains a niche example of 1970s amateur aviation rather than a widely adopted model. It is primarily recognized today within the homebuilt community and in historical presentations regarding the evolution of tractor and experimental gyroplanes.