Page 13 - AAA JULY - AUGUST 2015 Online Magazine

FEATURE ROTARY WINGS

improved performance and reduced reduce CO2 emissions by 20% compared
noise levels of the H160. Sound levels to present Airbus Helicopters offerings.
have been reduced by a massive 70% The Bell 525 has already earned
below mandated requirements, brought its place in history as the world’s first
about by the new Blue Edge rotor blades commercial helicopter with full FBW
and Fenestron tail rotor. The new blades controls. The 525 will compete with
alone have reduced perceived noise Sikorsky’s S-92 and AgustaWestland AW
levels by half, when compared to the 189 in the oil and gas and search and
EC155, at the same time allowing for rescue (SAR) market. The super-medium
an additional payload of 100 Kg to be class Bell 525, was announced at Heli-
carried. Another first is the new inclined Expo in 2012 and made its maiden flight
Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, which in July this year. A total of five prototypes
improves performance in hover flight and will be built by Bell Helicopters for the
provides a higher carrying capacity. program. First customer deliveries are
The H160 will be available only with slated to take place in 2017 and Bell
Turbomeca’s Arrano, which is designed has already received Letters of Intent
for twin-engine helicopters in the 4-6 (LOI) for more than 60 helicopters. The
tonne category or 2-3 tonne class single decision to proceed with a commercial
engine helicopters. The Arrano fits helicopter design with FBW was driven by
between Turbomeca’s Arriel and the the potential benefits from incorporating
Ardiden engines. To meet the reduction in this technology, as also Bell’s experience
fuel consumption by 10-15 percent in the with the V-22 ‘Osprey’ and A169 tiltrotor
Arrano, an IGV (Inlet Guide Vanes) system, programmes. The 525 Relentless will have
comprising of small variable-pitch blades, FBW with a triple-redundant flight control
is installed above the compressor. To system and three flight control computers
reduce life-cycle costs of the engine, and triplex electro-hydraulic actuators.
scheduled maintenance inspection BAE Systems will supply the FBW flight
intervals have been increased. Depending control computers and development work
on the type of missions flown, an engine is underway at BAE’s Endicott, NY, facility
can require general overhaul after flying in the USA.
almost 5000 hours. The Arrano engine While FBW flight control systems are
coupled with optimised aerodynamics, will now common on fixed wing aircraft in

ABOVE: The all-composite
Airbus Helicopters H160
aims to offer improved fuel
efficiency, performance and
comfort, with high levels
of reliability, right from the
outset
RIGHT: The image shows
some of the key technologies
of the H160 to good effect;
inclined Fenestron shrouded
tail rotor, rear Biplane
Stabiliser and five bladed
Blue Edge rotor blades with
double swept tips
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