Modern helicopters-the agustawestland eh-101 merlin
The EH-101 Merlin is a medium lift, multi-role helicopter developed and produced by AgustaWestland International. AgustaWestland is a joint venture formed by Agusta of Italy, makers of the A-109, and Westland of Great Britain, makers of the Lynx. The EH-101 is a direct competitor to the Sikorsky S-92 and was developed for both military and civil roles.
The multi-mission capabilities of the helicopter required AgustaWestland to four variations, two civil and two military.
The first civil variant is the utility version. The utility version can be used for a combination of passengers and/or freight. Its able to fulfill a number or roles including law enforcement, offshore oil support, fire fighting, cargo, SAR (search and rescue), air ambulance, and corporate shuttle. Aircraft configuration is based on operator need. For example, an air ambulance configuration will have room in the cabin for flight paramedics/nurses, 16 stretchers, and the required medical equipment. The search and rescue variant is able to carry 20 survivors normally up to 55 in a disaster type situation.
The utility version of the EH 101 has a rear ramp for loading/unloading. The cabin is spacious and has flush tie down points on the floor. In addition it has a roller conveyer for loading freight on pallets and a winch for other freight that cannot be self loaded or loaded via the conveyor. It has an external cargo hook capable of lifting 12000 lbs. The EH-101 is capable of carrying and deploying a variety of gear to include searchlights and and hoists. In addition the side cargo door is equipped with a rescue hoist.
The second civil variant is the Heliliner. As the name implies, the Heliliner is configured to carry people in airline like fashion. The helicopter has a system that minimizes vibration and maintains low acoustic signatures in the cabin and the cockpit for increased passenger comfort. The Heliliner can carry up to 30 people in airline style seats a distance of 460 miles at a cruising speed of 180 mph. The Heliliner features a wide aisle, overhead baggage bins, a large baggage compartment and a capable and efficient air conditioning system to maintain passenger comfort no matter if the helicopter is operating in arctic or tropical climates.
The first military variant is a navalized version. As expected the navalized version is built to endure sustained maritime operations. ItҒs used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), amphibious heli-borne assault and search and rescue. The navalized version is able to carry torpedoes or depth charges.
The second military variant is the utility version. Its able to transport 24-seated fully equipped troops or 45 standing fully equipped troops. It can also transport various equipment, cargos and supplies around the battlefield. Both military versions can be equipped with chaff and flare dispensers, infrared jammers, missile warnings, infrared counter measures and other survivability features.
The helicopter is constructed mostly of an aluminum-lithium alloy. It has a five bladed rotor system and is capable of operating in temperatures ranging from -45C to +55C. The cockpit uses a Northrop Grumman glass cockpit instrument system, which includes 6 CRT displays and a Smiths Industries four-axis automatic flight control system. The civil version is powered by three General Electric CT7-6 turbo shaft engines rated at 2,000 SHP (shaft horsepower) each. Three Rolls Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines rated at 2200 SHP each power the military versions.
A version of the EH-101 was selected by the United States Marine Corps to be the next helicopter transport for HMX-1. HMX-1 performs presidential, dignitary and VIP transport. They currently use H-3 Sea Kings and VH-60 White Hawk helicopters to fulfill transport missions. The US 101, as itҒs been designated, is the first non-Sikorsky helicopter to fly in this role since 1957. When all 23 helicopters come on line theyll be redesignated the VH-71A Kestrel.
Both Agusta and Westland have produced very capable helicopters. Their collaboration on the EH-101 has placed the combined company AgustaWestland on the forefront of helicopter design.
A career flying helicopters can be yours. Come to Helicopter Pilot Careers to see the opportunities available within commercial aviation. We'll also give you a free e-logbook and resume advice!
Article Source: Messaggiamo.Com
Related:
» Water Car Pro» Muscle Gaining Secrets
» Winning Lotto Strategies
» Auctions PASS
Webmaster Get Html Code
Add this article to your website now!
Webmaster Submit your Articles
No registration required! Fill in the form and your article is in the Messaggiamo.Com Directory!
