Rotor Torque

The second prototype has had an all composite bearingless tail rotor installed and is due to be fitted with a 10. 2 metre diameter main rotor to define the BO 108’s rotor systems.

Market studies have been conducted into customer requirements for seating and technical needs in the aircraft’s final configuration and a design freeze was expected at the time of going to press.

Two certification aircraft, one equipped with the Turbomeca TM 319-lB and another equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 206B engines, are scheduled to fly by mid 1994.

Bell Oh-58D Kiowa Warrior Update Proposals

An upgraded version of the OH-58D is being offered by Bell which would see an improved targeting capability, updated navigation facilities and a limited utility capability.

The mast mounted McDonnell Douglas (MDC) sight is retained, with the addition of a MDC forward looking infrared system, GPS, colour digital map, and ring laser gyro. The additional weight in the nose would allow two additional seats to be installed in the rear.

No doubt this will be offered to the Australian Army as it seeks to replace its aging Bell 206 Kiowas.

Two Way Trade in Us/Russian Helicopters

In an interesting development, Bell Helicopter Textron has managed to sell a Bell 2061-3 Longranger III to the Moscow police force, while at the same time there are cries of unfair competition from US helicopter operators and manufacturers over the move by the FA A to allow Russian registered helicopters and crews to operate in the USA!

A Moscow police team evaluated the use of helicopters by the Police department at Fort Worth, Texas and as a result opted for the Longranger, subsequently undergoing a course with both Bell and the Fort Worth Police.

On the question of the waiver of airworthiness regulations, which it is understood was a gesture of friendliness by the US to the Commonwealth of Independent States, US operators see it as the thin edge of the wedge to allow a flood of cheap Russian helicopters onto the US market. The original exemption was sought for the Mil Mi-26 to be used for logging in Alaska, but this has since broadened to include other cargo and passenger work.

It understood that there are thousands of cheap helicopters available in the CIS and the concern is that these could be dumped on the US market, with consequent effect on US manufactures. The issue of safety has also been raised as such cheap machines would allow inexperienced operators to gain access to the heavy lift market.

Bell Announces New TW in Engine Longranger

Bell Helicopter Textron and Tridair Helicopters have signed a memorandum of understanding which will enable Bell to manufacture new production twin engine model 206 Helicopters. The new helicopter, which will be known as the TwinRanger, provides Bell with its initial entry into the important light twin market.

The TwinRanger is based on the Gemini ST development programme conceived and implemented by Tridair. Bell expects the first deliveries of new production 2061 TwinRangers to occur sometime during the third quarter of 1993.

The new Twin Rangers will be manufactured by Bell in Mirabel, Canada. Tridair will retain the right to modify existing single engine 206Ls to the twin configuration.

WA Police Lose Their Twin Squirrel

In early May, the WA Police Air Wing lost its twin Squirrel when it struck the ground during a heavy landing, severing the tail rotor and gearbox, and burning out in the subsequent crash. Injuries were fortunately limited to a one crewman with a broken arm and another with a broken collar bone. Cuts and bruises were suffered by the remaining crew members.

the question ofa possible power loss on one engine, and also as a matter of course, pilot technique in regard to vortex ring in accidents of this nature.

Negotiations are underway for a temporary replacement, probably a single Squirrel, with expressions of interest for a twin replacement currently being sought.

Helicopter Stalwart Dies

Bob Larder, known around Sydney as one of the early helicopter operators, died in early May after returning to Australia from Vietnam.

Bob had had a colourful career in helicopters and fixed wing, including flying Catalinas and S-58sinPNG, DC-3s and Bristol Freighters for ANA, instructing with Airfast from Mascot and Helicopter Utilities, and Bell 47s on the Ord River. He is survived by his son John, who flies for Aeropelican.

Kestrel Aviation GI Ves Way to Rc Helicopters

Kestrel Aviation, formerly of Moorabbin, moved to Mangalore airport last year to set up an extensive flight crew training centre for both fixed wing and rotary wing pilots. However, due to the industry downturn and the decline in the number of Asian trainees , Kestrel has been forced to cease trading. Ray Cronin, the owner and CFI of newly established RC helicopters, says that the major portion of the Kestrel fleet has been sold off and that he expects the R22 to be the mainstay of the new organisation. Alan Gawne of Gawne Aviation will be taking over the fixed wing operations.

G2 Cabri Makes Maiden Flight

The G2 Gabri light helicopter has made its maiden flight at Eurocopter France in Marignane (refer p74 Mar 92 AA). The test flight was successful with no significant problems arising; the pilot reporting that the level of vibration was satisfactory and control response good. Eurocopter is continuing to provide support for the project as it remains interested in the industrial development and possibility of marketing such a light piston engine helicopter.

Sikorsky Wins Big Us Army Contract

Sikorsky has been awarded its biggest contract ever with the confirmed order for 300 additional UH-60 Black Hawks for the US Army. The aircraft will be delivered at a rate of 60 a year between 1992 and 1996 bringing the total Black Hawk purchase to 1,400 with provision for a further 180 options.