FWLIW, the "mini-helicopter" in THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES is actually a "gyroplane" {a.k.a. "autogyro"}.
In flight, the main rotor is driven only by airflow moving past the aircraft. The engine only provides thrust for moving it forward, and does not power the main rotor.
This type of aircraft was invented by a Spaniard named Juan De La Cierva, who was attempting to - and did - develop an aircraft that could not 'stall' or go into a 'spin' {which usually starts as a stall}.
"Little Nellie" from the Bond film YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE is also a gyroplane.
"Don't suppose you have any idea what the damn thing is, huh?"--2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY