With all that Gun Junk on it, the Pilot better not Weigh much more than 170#. I worked on various Models of the Little Bird over about 14 Years, from an OH-6A that had Vietnam Bullet Holes in it, to the 520 NOTAR with the Blower Anti-Torque System. The Airframe, and its Detroit-Diesel Allison "250" Gas-Turbine Engine are the Best Combination of Light Helo and Powerplant ever Built. Almost all of the "Upgrades" to the Airframe, Driveline, Controls and Engines were either directly 'backwards compatible' or if not Direct Replacements, Looked and Functioned just the Same. I was able to do "Model Upgrades" of 369 HS (the Commercial version of the OH-6A) to 500C or D versions just by Swapping Engines, Rotors, Tail Booms and Tail Rotors. (the Paperwork for this was Extensive) and they were one of the Simplest Aircraft to be able to Service 'In the Field', having essentially a 100-Hour Inspection and Maintenance Interval, and all of that could be done under a Tarp hung from two Trees. Best Thing about Maintenance and Handling is that the Main Rotor Blades attach with 3 Quick-Release Pins, and are Light enough that Two Men and one Ladder is all it takes to Remove or Install them. No Adjustments or "Track and balance" work was needed to do this. -Gryphon
Well thanks for the history lesson G! I’d love to see the innards of one up close. That rotor head has to be insane. It boggles my mind that these contraptions are actually robust enough to go to war and even survive…
That sounds like a very rewarding situation to be in. I can only imagine the cert paperwork involved with the major mods. I flew around the country certifying stupid software updates for approval. The mantra was the airplane is ready to deliver when the weight of the paperwork matches BOW.
Do a quick search for main rotor strap packs. Some fun engineering for the times it was designed & unfortunate for Hughes that he would not let the manufacturing keep up w/ contracts...something Bell Helo capitalized upon. But, in the end, look at which airframe with is still the desired dancing date today.
LOVED "Riding the Rails" as we called it on an insertion mission... two dudes on either side, (w/out all the -extreme- Boom-Boom mounted 'cept for our 'backup birds') Buzzsaw fast and fucking fun... nothing sez "Shitting in your pants" 'cept -below- treetop nape-chasing YMMV
I want it, I want it, I want it !!!!!!!
ReplyDeletelittle bird
ReplyDeleteAhh! A low flying commuter vehicle! I need and want that, slow drivers, asshole drivers, missile beware...
ReplyDeleteIf I ever hit the big lottery.
ReplyDeleteWith all that Gun Junk on it, the Pilot better not Weigh much more than 170#.
ReplyDeleteI worked on various Models of the Little Bird over about 14 Years, from an OH-6A that had Vietnam Bullet Holes in it, to the 520 NOTAR with the Blower Anti-Torque System. The Airframe, and its Detroit-Diesel Allison "250" Gas-Turbine Engine are the Best Combination of Light Helo and Powerplant ever Built. Almost all of the "Upgrades" to the Airframe, Driveline, Controls and Engines were either directly 'backwards compatible' or if not Direct Replacements, Looked and Functioned just the Same.
I was able to do "Model Upgrades" of 369 HS (the Commercial version of the OH-6A) to 500C or D versions just by Swapping Engines, Rotors, Tail Booms and Tail Rotors. (the Paperwork for this was Extensive) and they were one of the Simplest Aircraft to be able to Service 'In the Field', having essentially a 100-Hour Inspection and Maintenance Interval, and all of that could be done under a Tarp hung from two Trees. Best Thing about Maintenance and Handling is that the Main Rotor Blades attach with 3 Quick-Release Pins, and are Light enough that Two Men and one Ladder is all it takes to Remove or Install them. No Adjustments or "Track and balance" work was needed to do this.
-Gryphon
Well thanks for the history lesson G! I’d love to see the innards of one up close. That rotor head has to be insane. It boggles my mind that these contraptions are actually robust enough to go to war and even survive…
DeleteThat sounds like a very rewarding situation to be in. I can only imagine the cert paperwork involved with the major mods. I flew around the country certifying stupid software updates for approval. The mantra was the airplane is ready to deliver when the weight of the paperwork matches BOW.
DeleteCharlie don't surf
ReplyDeleteDo a quick search for main rotor strap packs. Some fun engineering for the times it was designed & unfortunate for Hughes that he would not let the manufacturing keep up w/ contracts...something Bell Helo capitalized upon. But, in the end, look at which airframe with is still the desired dancing date today.
ReplyDeleteChicago PD could use a couple of them for their car-jacking abatement program.
ReplyDeleteLOVED "Riding the Rails" as we called it on an insertion mission... two dudes on either side, (w/out all the -extreme- Boom-Boom mounted 'cept for our 'backup birds') Buzzsaw fast and fucking fun... nothing sez "Shitting in your pants" 'cept -below- treetop nape-chasing
ReplyDeleteYMMV