Rotor Torque

MDH research indicates a potential market for the MDX of up to 5000 units over a ten to fifteen year period commencing 1990. The MDX itself would be a six passenger, one or two crew advanced design helicopter that would specifically optimise advanced technologies to lower operating costs and enhance reliability rather than merely serve as technical gimmickry. In this role MDH see their new heavily automated Mesa, Arizona facility, combined with existing Australian capabilities and advanced avionics and engines being able to reduce the cost of manufacture and eventual operation of such a helicopter by at least 25%. MDH also are targeting a flyaway price of under $US1m in 1987 dollars, resulting in an aircraft substantially cheaper than any rival helicopter.

After extensive worldwide research, MDH are favouring a twin engined design over that of a single as generally, this allows a greater degree of operational flexibility and also enhances the growth that can, at a later date, be built into the original design.

Initially, the MDX would be a civilian helicopter but later battlefield and scout versions would also be offered. In this role the MDX could be highly suitable for the projected Army Kiowa replacement programme.

The preliminary figures for the MDX suggest a very large cabin, larger than any competing design, that would comfortably accommodate six adults. Cruise speed would be in the order of 150kts for an operational radius with reserves of 370nm at max payload. Without pax the helicopter would be able to lift a sling load of 2000Ib. Much of the structure would be of lightweight advanced composites while a number of current and in-development powerplants are being proposed for the design. It is intended that HdH will be in a position to make a formal announcement as regards MDX in January 1988 at which time the programme will receive a formal go-ahead. Rollout is then scheduled for early 1991 with first flight by that May for initial customer deliveries in late 1992.

The potential of the programme is immense for the total Australían aerospace scene as HdH will be farming out much of the workload involved in the MDX programme. It is envisaged that even at an annual (worst case) production rate of only 150 examples that the contribution of the project locally will be significant by present standards.

The long-term potential also exists for the creation of upwards of 600 new jobs and an export market valued at around $45m annually. While Hawker’s will also be in on the ground floor in designing the MDX, which will also use the revolutionary Notar no-tail rotor system of yaw control, they will also gain full marketing rights to this region.

Samm Servo Jacks and Extended Tbos for Squirrel Series Helos

Hydraulic servo jacks manufactured by Samm are now available for the AS350, extending the overhaul life from 1800 hours in the case of the Dunlop servos to 3000 in the case of the new servos.

Aerospatiale has also announced the following significant increases in Time Between Overhaul on their AS350 and AS355 model helicopters. Single Squirrel epicyclic module TBO has been increased from 1400 to 2000 hours. Single Squirrel bevel gear TBO has been increased from 2500 to 3000 hours while single Squirrel oil pump TBO has been increased from 2000 hours to 3000 hours.

Meanwhile, the Twin Squirrel starter generator is scheduled for TBO extensions from 1200 to 1800 hours. Twin Squirrel boos- ter pump TBO is scheduled to extend from 1200 to 1800 hours. the Twin Squirrel epicycle module TBO has been increased from 2000 to 2800 hours while the Twin Squirrel bevel gear TBO has also been increased from 2000 hours to 3000 hours. Twin Squirrel oil pump TBO has been increased from 2000 to 3000 hours and the Twin Squirrel combination gearbox TBO has also been increased from 2000 to 2500 hours.

Collins Gps for Army Black Hawks

The RAAF, on behalf of Army Aviation, have selected Collins Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment for the Australian Black Hawk utility helicopters.

GPS is a worldwide navigation system which gives air, sea and land users precise position data within 16 metres in three dimensions. The ADF contract is valued at $4m though Collins have also sold similar units to the US DoD for some $235m for a market estimated to be potentially worth more than $450m over the next eight years.

Lloyd to Operate Hamilton Island Services

A reliable source has reported that Lloyd Helicopters Pty Ltd of Adelaide have reached an agreement with the principals of Hamilton Island, the Queensland holiday resort for the operation of helicopter services on a franchise basis.

Bell 406 Firing Demonstration Right on Target

Bell helicopter’s 406 Combat Scout recently performed before an international audience showing its versatility and power in a variety of military roles.

Guests from military services throughout the world were on hand to see the 406CS fire . 50 Calibre machine guns, 2. 75 inch rockets and TOW antitank missiles. According to Phil Price, a senior Bell marketing executive, the 406 performed flawlessly.

“Our guests seemed to be greatly impressed with the versatility of the 406 as a weapons platform. Not only did the aircraft destroy targets at ranges out to 2,700 metres,” continued Price, “but demonstrated a change of mission and armament configuration in only about four to eight minutes depending on weapons selection. Prince explained that the versatile helicopter incorporates many key features designed by Bell for the US Army’s OH-58.

The 406CS retains the dynamics and drive train of the Kiowa while it does not have the weight and cost of the mast-mounted sight, specialized avionics and integrated multiplex cockpit packages. The result is an aircraft that is not only a stable observation and weapons platform, but one that can be easily supported and maintained throughout the world. The new multi-mission Combat Scout used during the Fort Rucker demonstration was equipped with the Emerson/Saab hollow system. Fabrique Nationale . 50 Calibre machine guns and BEI defense systems 2. 75 inch rockets.

The helicopter can also accept most of the available state-of-the-art roof-mounted stabilized sighting systems and features radar warning, infra-red signature reduction, a vibration-isolated airframe and a crash-resistant/ballistically tolerant fuel system. For armed helicopter applications, the 406CS has rapid change capabilities which enable the commander to select those weapon systems that will best suit his needs. Typical selections are four TÓW missiles (anti-armour) or a combination of missiles, 2. 75 inch rockets and 7. 62mm or . 50 calibre machine guns. The 406CS carries two crew and up to three passengers.

Schweizer to Develop Turbine Helicopter

Schweizer, which purchased the Hughes 300 light helo line several years ago, is to develop a turbine powered version of the popular piston engined helicopter.

Designated the Schweizer 330 Sky Knight, the design would be visually similar to the present 300 except for the addition of fore and aft cockpit fairings to enhance appearance and aerodynamics. The 330 would be powered by a single Allison 225-C10A which would be derated to 200hp, allowing considerable torque reserves in addition to enhanced engine TBOs.

Empty weight will be the same as for the Model 300 though useful load will be effectively increased by 22kg. Maximum cruise will be 103kts, around 11kts faster than the present aircraft though the 330 will be able to hover out of ground effect on a 33C day at 13,000ft as against 6,700ft for the 300.

Schweizer hope to be able to make a conclusive decision as to full production of the 330 by next February and plan to have production aircraft available for around $US300,000 by late 1989.

Gem Successor Underway

Rolls Royce have teamed with MTU of West Germany and Turbomeca of France to begin development of the MTM 390, a new generation turboshaft in the 1200shp range that will ultimately serve as a successor to the long lived RR Gem.

The MTM 390 is initially destined for the new anti armour attack helicopter jointly being developed by France and West Germany and will also be a candidate engine for the proposed four nation attack helo currently being studied by the defence departments of Italy, Holland, Spain and Britain.

Antarctic Contract Award

Following the return of the ALP Government at the July elections, Helicopter Resources Pty Ltd were advised that their tender for their Antarctic helicopter services to ANARE for the next three years had been successful.

This ended a period of some concern for Helicopter Resources who have held the contract for the last twelve years as there were strong rumours that the contract was to be awarded to an overseas company who had tendered considerably lower than the Australian operators.

Increase in Periodic Inspection Periods for Squirrel and Dauphin Helicopters

Aerospatiale Helicopters Australia (AHA) have announced that following an established history of periodic servicing, Aerospatiale have now expanded their 300 hourly servicing requirement on these aircraft to a 400-hourly periodic servicing cycle. This 33% increase coupled with the expanding TBOS on dynamic components has led to an overall reduction in DOCs for the second year running.

Change of Name for Boeing Vertol

From September 1st, the long-established Boeing Vertol Company became simply the Boeing Helicopter Company. When Boeing purchased the Philadelphia-based company in 1960, it was known as the Vertol Aircraft Corporation. Over the years, Vertol has faded into the historical twilight as the presence of Boeing became more and more fundamental to the firm’s future image.

In addition to advanced rotary wing R&D projects, Boeing Helicopter Co is also actively involved in ongoing Chinook upgrade work in addition to teaming with Bell on the V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor aircraft programme.