Rotor Torque

The first Tiger prototype (PT1) was rolled out on 4 February and completed its engine ground runs in Germany before being transferred for flight testing to Aerospatiale’s Marignane plant in France. Five prototype Tigers will take part in the flight test program which will culminate with the delivery of the first production aircraft in 1997. The German army requires 212anti tank variants and the French army 140plus 75 of the combat support version. TheTiger will make its debut at this year’s Paris Salon.

Ecureuil in Us Army Competition

The Aerospatiale AS. 350B Ecureuil/Squirrel has been entered in the US Army’s new training helicopter program competition.

Tenders for competing helicopters are to be submitted by June this year, with evaluation tests to commence some months later. Other choppers offered are the Schweizer 330, Enstrom TH-28 and a modified Bell 206 variant. The US Army has a requirement for 185-205 turbine powered training helicopters, which it will initially lease for five years before outright purchase. A final choice for the new trainer will be made by the end of this year, with deliveries commencing in 1993. If it wins the contract, Aerospatiale’s chopper will be fulfilling a similar role with the US Army as it does with Australia’s ADF.

Battlefield Lynx to Fly With TS00 Engines

The latest variant of Westland’s Battlefield Lynx is being fitted with T800 engines prior to commencing a rigorous flight test program early next year.

To be known as the Battlefield Lynx 800, the new variant represents the latest phase in a planned program of continuous product enhancement. The engine itself is manufactured by LHTEC (Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company), a partnership of Allison Gas Turbine and the Garrett Engine Division of Allied-Signal. The Battlefield Lynx 800 project is a joint development between Westland and the engine manufacturer. Westland providing the test aircraft and installation design as well as conducting the flight test program. LHTEC will supply the engine and speed reduction gearboxes.

The Battlefield Lynx is the only helicopter currently in production which can fully utilise the power levels offered with a twin T800 installation. The increased power from the T800 coupled with the enhanced rotor technology of the Lynx should further enhance the chopper’s already impressive speed and battlefield agility.

Meanwhile, Westland is actively promoting the Battlefield Lynx 800to meet the Australian Army’s eventual reconnaissance helicopter requirement.

SKy lark 1 Made in Australia

Australian companies Harvard Aviation, of Nunawading, Victoria and Australian Minicopters, Queensland, are offering the Skylark 1 sports helicopter, the only chopper currently being built in Australia.

Harvard describe the Skylark 1 as “The sports helicopter of the ’90s”. The light, single seat helicopter is essentially a licence built, but improved version of the USdeveloped Helicraft Skylark 1, which has proven to be a very stable and manoeuvrable chopper during about 200 hours of flight testing. Excessive production delays in the US have prompted the shift of production to Australia, enabling the Skylark 1 to be marketed locally for $30,000.

The Skylark 1 is an ultralight helicopter with a basic weight of 160kg and a gross weight of 340kg, with a payload of about 180kg. Basic dimensions are length 5. 34m, height 2. 14m. Power is supplied by either a CAM90 or Rotax 612 engine, the chopper has a maximum speed of 86kt (160kmh), a cruise speed of 60kt (112kmh), a claimed rate of climb of 1,000ft per minute and maximum altitude 12,000ft.

Being an ultralight helicopter, Harvard Aviation and Australian Minicopters have formed a new organisation called the Ultralight Helicopter Association. The organisation will operate along similar lines as the Australian Ultralight Federation and will provide the CAA with all relevant details of training programs, maintenance and flight requirements.

R22 Production Hits Record High

The Robinson R22 is currently being built at the highest production rate since deliveries commenced in 1979.

A total of 384new R22s were built during 1990 while another 84 were returned to the Robinson facilities for their 2000 hour overhauls. Of the new build aircraft, about 60% were exported, with the UK, Japan, France, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand leading in units imported. Production is being increased with an additional 500 personnel employed and factory facilities expanded. The order backlog for the R22 stands at over 230, with orders continuing strong despite the international economic climate. Meanwhile, the four seat Robinson R44 recently made its public debut at Heli-Expo ’91 in Anaheim, California. The second prototype has now entered the flight test program and the aircraft is attracting much market interest. Robinson intends marketing the new chopper for less than half the current price of a light turbine helicopter, and expects operating costs to be similarly reduced.