Helicopter Design
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Helicopter Design
Is there anyone with any knowledge of the design of helicopters? I come froma backround of industrial Design and I am now flying for a living.
Im curious to know the design process of a new helicopter. Whether it is just engineers or if some actual thought is put into the comfort of the occupants and how well the helicopter preforms its task.. ie medevac
The French seem to have the lead with the new EC range, they actually look desirable, and there cabins look very interesting. The seats on the ec 130 look very cool, does anybody have photos of these?
Also if you had unlimited oney, what Heli would you buy purely for "looks"?
Im curious to know the design process of a new helicopter. Whether it is just engineers or if some actual thought is put into the comfort of the occupants and how well the helicopter preforms its task.. ie medevac
The French seem to have the lead with the new EC range, they actually look desirable, and there cabins look very interesting. The seats on the ec 130 look very cool, does anybody have photos of these?
Also if you had unlimited oney, what Heli would you buy purely for "looks"?
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It would either have to be the Sikorsky S-76 or the Agusta A109 as they both look similar. Both of these machines look awesome to me, and they both fit my personal idea of what a great looking helicopter should look like.
Here's a link for the Agusta A109:
http://www.agusta.it/english/proco_e.htm
Here's a link for the S-76:
http://www.sikorsky.com/programs/s76/index.html
If I could afford it, one of these machines would be my personal helicopter (I lean towards the Sikorsky, but I have much respect for the Agusta). They both have very modern systems, are fairly long ranged, and both are excellent IFR machines.
The Agusta however is a much better hot and high performer. I wish Sikorsky would update the S-76 for better hot and high performance, as it currently has what I think are some serious altitude restictions. This is the only real design weakness of the current S-76 models, but to me this one weakness is rather serious due to the operational restrictions that it imposes.
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Safe flying to you...
Here's a link for the Agusta A109:
http://www.agusta.it/english/proco_e.htm
Here's a link for the S-76:
http://www.sikorsky.com/programs/s76/index.html
If I could afford it, one of these machines would be my personal helicopter (I lean towards the Sikorsky, but I have much respect for the Agusta). They both have very modern systems, are fairly long ranged, and both are excellent IFR machines.
The Agusta however is a much better hot and high performer. I wish Sikorsky would update the S-76 for better hot and high performance, as it currently has what I think are some serious altitude restictions. This is the only real design weakness of the current S-76 models, but to me this one weakness is rather serious due to the operational restrictions that it imposes.
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Safe flying to you...
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Not sure I'd agree with the hot and high bit. The C+ has pretty good performance and keeps max gross to the mid 30 degrees at sea level. The B has phenomenal OEI performance, though admitedly it's not current. I ferried an A++ from the UK to Nigeria last month, and it performed very well at max weight most of the time. It handled particularly well at altitude too with levels from FL60-95 being used.
If payload was not a consideration, I think you'll find the new EC-155 would be a dream a/c, but it will definately not like hot and high environments. (I'll let you know in a few months).
Oh yes, I'd prefer a type where you can't accidently install the collective scissors link the wrong way round too (seen the two 109 accident reports on the AAIB site? interesting reading, well don to the pilots involved)
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Another day in paradise
[This message has been edited by 212man (edited 13 March 2001).]
If payload was not a consideration, I think you'll find the new EC-155 would be a dream a/c, but it will definately not like hot and high environments. (I'll let you know in a few months).
Oh yes, I'd prefer a type where you can't accidently install the collective scissors link the wrong way round too (seen the two 109 accident reports on the AAIB site? interesting reading, well don to the pilots involved)
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Another day in paradise
[This message has been edited by 212man (edited 13 March 2001).]
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If your interested in design then you might find the following site interesting.
The CalVert Helicopter
http://www.enae.umd.edu/AGRC/Design99/Calvert.html
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Project: UniCopter.com
The CalVert Helicopter
http://www.enae.umd.edu/AGRC/Design99/Calvert.html
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Project: UniCopter.com
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Until the time that Sikorsky invents a powerboat with a rotor on top, I'm casting my vote for the Bell 214ST Super Transport - of course with floats the size of a second World War torpedo attached under each skid!
Me and twelve buddies could settle softly onto a Canadian lake, fish, and fly back to shore to fry up the fish!
Me and twelve buddies could settle softly onto a Canadian lake, fish, and fly back to shore to fry up the fish!
