Looks like the autogyros, a.k.a., gyrocopters, are definitely back in fashion. Following the Sikorsky X2 demonstrator, here is the latest one, the Eurocopter X3. It uses twin five-blade turboprops in addition to its main five blade rotor.
Invented by Juan de la Cierva in 1923, the autogyro was the precursor of the modern helicopter. It combined a conventional propeller, wings, and a vertically-powered rotor that allowed for vertical take-off and landing. It was quite successful, although it didn't have a lot of utility at the time, despite its obvious advantages over regular planes.
