Rotor Torque

The CGS, Lt Gen John Coates, was to discuss the matter with the US Army during his current visit to the United States; the latter is understood to favour the proposal.

Duringthe Kangaroo 89 exercise, it became clear to Army that at least three Chinooks were needed to haul fuel for the Company Group Lift (CGL) Black Hawks.

Without Chinooks in support, 40% of the Black Hawks were required for this task, with the remaining 60% only capable of lifting half the CGL.

To add to the problem, there were discrete, unsplittable loads which could not be airlifted – these included 06 bulldozers, the 155mm gun and crew, and the Field Communications Centre shelters.

Finally, the D model Chinook needs 40% less maintenance effort than the C model, due to longer lifed, more robust components.

Maiden Flight for md520n Notar Helicopter.

The only conventional production helicopter without a tail rotor made its maiden flight at the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter company plant, Mesa, Arizona on 2 July 1991.

The MD520N incorporates the company’s NOTAR no tail rotor system for anti-torque and directional control.

The system eliminates the exposed tail rotor, which increases safety, makes the helicopter easier to fly and reduces noise levels below those of any other production helicopter now flying.

McDonnell Douglas will deliver the first MD520N in October to the Phoenix, Arizona, Police Department, which is scheduled to receive seven of the 17 NOTAR-equipped helicopters.

Firm orders are held for 156 MD520Ns with deliveries expected this year to customers in Europe, Korea, Australia, the Philippines, South America and Central America