[1][2] The Roto-Pup was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg).
It features a single main rotor, a single-seat open cockpit with a windshield and conventional landing gear without wheel pants.
To meet the FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles empty weight, the frame is required to be left uncovered, but this does not affect aircraft handling.
[1][2] The aircraft uses an unusual control system, common to all the Little Wing Autogyros and designed by David Kay in the early 1930s.
Longitudinal control is achieved by an elevator and horizontal stabilizer system, designed to eliminate power-induced bunting "push-over" accidents.