Rotor Torque

What Brazil is now seeking is a co-operative manufacturing venture to help establish an indigenous rotary wing industry within the country. The French Government has already intimated that it is interested in acquiring up to 150 Embraer Tucano primary trainers for the Armee de l’air. Aerospatiale is already working with Helibras, Brazil’s largest helicopter support operation which is presently assembling Squirrel and Lama halos.

French-German Combat Helicopter to Go Ahead

The French and German governments have finally agreed to jointly develop an anti-tank helicopter. Discussions have been taking place since the mid 1970’s and the two manufacturers, Aerospatiale and MBB have had to agree to absorb budget overruns. The aircraft will have advanced European visionics with a mast mounted sight and be powered by two MTM390 turboshafts.

Flying Our Helicopters Quietly

Frank von Rees organised a HAA self help programme entitled ‘Flying Our Helicopters Quietly’ with the help of Steven Cooper, a consulting acoustical and vibration engineer. A programme was held at Holsworthy Army Base on noise limits and the development of noise abatement flying techniques.

Pacific Aviation’s Maintenance Expansion

Well informed sources advise that Pacific Aviation is combining its Sydney helicopter staff with its recently acquired Rex Aviation helicopter staff to form the nucleus of a new national helicopter maintenance service that will dominate the industry.

An essential part of this plan would be for Aerospatiale Helicopters of Australia, who have so far refused to permit the sale of its Australian owned shares to Pacific, to appoint Pacific Aviation as its official Australian service organisation.

Light Helicopter to Be Manufactured in Australia

As outlined in Rotor Torque, March AA, Aerospace Technologies of Australia (ASTA), Aerospatiale and the China Aerotechnology Import Export Corporation (CATIC) have reached agreement on the manufacture of a new generation light helicopter.

The agreement is to proceed in principle with the development of a new 2. 5 tonne helicopter and the partners hope to have a firm contract established within the year. Under the agreement each partner would be responsible for the design and manufacturing of a specific number of sub systems and components which will then be sold between the partners for assembly and sale in each partner’s exclusive sales zones.

It is intended that the helicopter be suitable for both civil and military use and it is hoped that sales will exceed 3,000 machines over a fifteen year period. Primary competitors will be the BK 117, MBB Bo105L, Aerospatiale Dauphin, Agusta A109 and Sikorsky’s S-76.

Life Cycle Cost Analysis of LTS101 Engine

Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation is to carry out a life cycle cost analysis of the Lycoming LTS101 engine and to survey comparable engines.

The purpose of the analysis is to determine the long-term maintenance costs of the LTS101 and is not a replacement study. However, the engines are having some hot end problems and the Buy American Act would not prevent a foreign engine being installed if the Coast Guard felt it was necessary.

Aviall Publishes New Catalogue on Helicopter Parts, Components and Accessories

Aviall has begun distributing its latest helicopter parts catalogue which features new product lines developed exclusively for the rotary wing market. Aviall’s 80 worldwide distribution branches carry a multi million. . .

dollar inventory of helicopter parts, components and accessories supplied by some 75 manufacturers. The products can support virtually every make and model of helicopter while Aviall also furnishes parts and components to corporate flight departments and FBOs which support helicopters manufactured by Aerospatiale, Bell, Boeing, MOH, Sikorsky, MBB and Agusta. A free copy of the new catalogue can be obtained by writing to Aviall, 2075 Diplomat, Dallas, Texas 75234, USA.