Rotor Torque

The helicopter chosen for the work is a Hughes 500E, with a specially made platform positioned out one side of the aircraft where a technician will perform the necessary work. All equipment used in the operation has gained the necessary STC’s, and operations in winds of up to 25kts are anticipated.

Agusta 109 Damaged in Freak Accident

An Agusta109 operated by HeIijet of Queensland was recently badly damaged when landing on a pontoon at Hardy Reef in the Barrier Reef.

One wheel of the A109, which was carrying Japanese tourists, broke through the deck of the pontoon causing the helicopter to tilt and the rotor blades to strike the surface, resulting in severe oscillations. Fortunately none of the crew or passengers were injured. The accident is still being investigated but as the A109 had landed on the pontoon many times before, it is unlikely to reveal any pilot or aircraft failure.

IBM Prime Contractor for Merlin Asw Helicopter

IBM Corp has been named as the prime contractor, in conjunction with Westland Helicopters, to complete development of 44 Merlin ASW helicopters for the Royal Navy.

In a departure from previous arrangements, where the Ministry of Defence acted as prime contractor, IBM will be responsible for bringing the helicopter into service on time, at a fixed price, with guarantees on maintenance and reliability. IBM won the contract, which is worth £1. 5b, against a British Aerospace/GEC Marconi team.

The Merlin, powered by three Rolls Royce/Turbomeca RTM 322 engines, has been jointly developed by Westland Helicopters and Agusta of Italy. The aircraft will fulfill two roles, ASW and anti surface warfare but will also be capable of operating in the SAR, ship resupply and casualty roles. It will operate primarily from the new Duke class Type 23 frigates.

New Heliport Development Office Opens in Sydney’s West

Heli Consultants Pty Ltd, offering consultancy services in heliport development and helicopter operations, has recently opened an office in the Rose Consulting Group Building at 140 Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown, in Sydney’s west According to managing director Dan Tyler, the company has opened the new premises to cater for expanding business as it believes private sector demand is set to grow in the near future. The company will offer the helicopter industry comprehensive project management of any heliport development, including site selection, design, liaison with local, state and federal authorities, environmental assessment, construction, and commissioning. Heli Consultants is colocated with a firm of civil engineers and surveyors andhas accessto town planning and acoustic consultants. The aim is to provide “one stop shopping” for any heliport development requirements.

More information can be obtained from Dan Tyler, (02) 831 5663.

V-22 Tilt Rotor Versus Conventional Helicopter Debate Still Alive.

A recent Medium Lift Replacement (MLR) Capability and Cost Analysis has shown that despite a $US?. 6m unit cost higher than any contending medium lift helicopter, the V-22 Osprey will be a cheaper aircraft to operate than the alternatives. However, US Secretary of Defense Cheney’s opposition to the V-22 tilt rotor aircraft is unlikely to be swayed by the study.

From all indications, difficulties are being experienced in reaching a decision on the CH-46 replacement because of the V-22 question. In the meantime the CH-46 fleet is diminishing and the Navy’s vertical replenishment capability is being seriously eroded.

Boeing has taken advantage of the situation and has proposed reopening the CH-46 production line which, in addition to meeting the Navy’s need, would enable it to satisfy the international market for an estimated 100 of its CH-46 helicopters.

Competing Proposals for Upgrade of Uh-1 Iroquois Helicopter

In similar moves, Bell Helicopter/Textron Lycoming, and General Electric/Southern Aero Corporation have developed competing upgrade proposals involving re engining UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.

In the first proposal, GE and Southern Aero Corp have agreed to develop a GE T?00 powered UH-1 Huey demonstrator and to fly the high performance aircraft early next year. The helicopter will be designated the UH-1HP (High Performance) and is specifically aimed at the US Army’s requirement for 1,279 light utility helicopters now being evaluated under the Utility Aircraft Requirements Study.

Southern Aero Corp president and owner, Bill Williams, believes that the re-engined Huey would make an excellent candidate to meet the Army’s requirement for a new training helicopter. In addition he maintains that it would meet the strong demand from foreign military services for enhanced performance from their existing UH-1 fleets. The T?00 engined Huey would enjoy enhanced performance in terms of hot/high lift capability and a 20% improvement in specific fuel consumption which will substantially increase range and loiter capability in addition to a reduced maintenance component. The T700/UH-1HP demonstrator will incorporate a strengthened fuselage, an upgrade to the transmission to absorb up to 1,290hp, a UH-1 N anti-torque system, and new composite rotor blades. these improvements will allow an increase in gross weight from 4,308kg (9,500Ibs) to 4,762kg (10,500Ibs). State of the art, night vision compatible avionics, and an optional auxiliary fuel system will also be installed in the demonstrator aircraft.

The competing Bell/Lycoming proposal includes an engine upgrade to the existing T53-L703 configuration, improved main rotor blades, and new tail rotor components. Engine power would be significantly increased, doubling the payload capability while at the same time conferring a 120nm range improvement and a 15kt speed increase. The modifications would be available as a kit, however Bernard Goldberg, Lycoming’s director of T53/T55 programs said the program would not run unless 50 plus aircraft were guaranteed for modification.

Nsw Surf Lifesaving Helicopter Operations Under Attack?

In a new twist to the NSW Surf Life Saving Association’s Newcastle helicopter problems, claims are now being made by the Association that their operations are under threat from private operators.

The Association’s national executive director, Gus Staunton, said that rival companies were threatening the Association’s service. In a counter move, spokesmen from the companies concerned stated that the allegations had been made to cover internal problems arising from the Newcastle operations. It is understood that the NSW Surf L ife Saving Newcastle operations may be in trouble due to over expansion.

The Association purchased an Aerospatiale Dauphin for its Newcastle operations and subsequently purchased another Dauphin to be based at Lismore. It is understood that problems have arisen with the second aircraft due to its operating costs of around $2,100hr being too high for local emergency services and as a consequence, problems have arisen meeting its payments. Evidently, single engine Squirrel helicopters at $800hr are being called in from across the border to meet emergency needs. The final straw may be that the first Dauphin, which was put up as collateral for the second helo may now be in jeopardy.

MD 520N Recei Vesfaa Certification

The McDonnell Douglas MD-520N NOTAR helicopter (production aircraft maiden flight reported Sept 91 A A Rotor Torque), has now received its Federal Aviation Administration type certificate.

The MD-520N is the first new helicopter in almost a decade to receive FA A approval, clearing it for delivery to customers worldwide. New figures released confirm the MD-520N as the quietest helicopter flying, registering 3 EPNdB (estimated perceived noise decibels) below the FAA’s proposed stage three noise regulations. Firm orders now stand at 164 with options for a further 21 aircraft.

Us Army Study Favours Additional Blackhawk Purchases

Reports indicate that the US Army Utility Aircraft Requirements Study (UTARS) lends support to further UH-60 Black Hawk purchases to fulfill future utility helicopter requirements.

The report highlights the capabilities of the Blackhawk set against the cost of introducing another new aircraft into service. Sikorsky maintains that the more powerful UH-60L would provide the heavier medevac and command and control demands thrown up by the Gulf conflict. The company is pushing for the UH-60 production to be increased by a further 400 over the planned run of 1,443. The study if endorsed, would also provide encouragement for the upgrading of UH-1 helicopters (reported this edition ) versus the acquisition of new aircraft. However,an unnamed spokesman for a rival new helicopter manufacturer cast doubts on the credibility of the study stating that the Army would most likely view it in the same light. BELL MODEL 230

Makesfirst Flight

The Model 230 helicopter, produced by Bell Helicopter Textron, made its first flight 12 August at the company’s commercial manufacturing facility in Mirabel, Canada.

Certification of the Model 230 is scheduled for the first quarter of 1992. The new intermediate helicopter was developed at the Bell plant in Mirabel and is a significantly updated version of the Bell 222 series. The major change is the incorporation of the Allison 250-C30G/2 twin engine package, these engines being noted for their reliability and high ambient temperature performance. Meanwhile, Bell and Mitsui of Japan have entered into a production partnership, with the latter forecasting a potential market for the Model 230 of over 200 helicopters in Japan in the next decade. First deliveries will be made in August 1992, with Mitsui serving as the launch customer. The Model 230 will seat two pilots and up to six passengers in the executive configuration; the utility version will accommodate either nine persons or cargo

Australia’s Ems Roof Top Pad

The Gold Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, who recently were threatened by the Surf Life Saving Association with eviction from their operations base and hangar at Nerang on the Gold coast, have moved to the roof top of Southpor t Hospital.

This occurred as the National Body of Surf Life Saving were feuding with their regional helicopter services over the management and financial affairs of the individual services.

Operations manager of the Gold Coast service, Ashley Van de Velte, says that their new home on the roof of Southport Hospital is suiting their requirements better than could be expected. Office and sleeping quarters are provided within the hospital and plans are being considered for the development of a hangar on the roof. The hospital is showing considerable foresight with their plans to allow room for two helicopters the size of the Aerospatiale Dauphin.

The service presently operates one AS 350B which is used for a variety of EMS work such as adult and neonatal retrieval, and search and rescue operations onshore and offshore. The service has been established for several years and is well respected within the EMS fraternity.

Additional ASW Lynx for Brazil

Brazil is reported to be considering the purchase of four additional Lynx ASW helicopters from Westland Helicopters and the upgrading of its existing Lynx to meet the navy’s requirement for a total of 12 new ASW aircraft.

Budgetary constraints led to the decision to upgrade rather than purchase new aircraft, the unsuccessful contenders being Aerospatiale’s Dauphin 2, Agusta’s AB. 212 and Kaman’s SH-2 Seasprite. Westland would not comment on the order or whether the new aircraft would be export Super Lynx or the Mk 21/23 currently in Brazilian service.

Australian-Made Helicopter Makes Maiden Flight

The Veetol Mk1, the first Australian-made helicopter, made its maiden flight at Rutherford aerodrome on 3 September.

The Veetol is a development of the earlier Phillicopter and is a two seat light utility helicopter. The test flight was successful with the helicopter completing all authorised manoeuvres.

It is understood that further development work will now be undertaken to reduce weight with the aim of improving performance. In addition it is planned to replace the Continental 0-300 145hp engine with a Lycoming 0-360 of 180hp which will provide an additional 35hp for a saving of 1. 8kg in weight. The Veetol is pitched directly against the hot selling Robinson R22, its backers maintaining that its predicted price advantage over the R22 should ensure its successful penetration of that market.