Dec 302013
 
NH90
Dec 032013
 
X3 cockpit, Eurocopter high speed prototype

This article refers to the great report by Ernie Stephens in Aviation Today

How to speed up when you’re in the X3? …easy: push the button!

X3 cockpit, Eurocopter high speed prototype

X3 cockpit, Eurocopter high speed prototype

Which one? On the picture above, there is only a thrust control lever. As Ernie explains:

In the X3, the TCL on the center console isn’t touched. Forward thrust is applied by thumbing a small, momentary-contact, hat switch mounted on the collective. Push it forward to increase the power, tap it backwards to decrease it. The TCL moves forward and back as the hat switch is actuated, but is only manipulated by hand as an emergency procedure if the hat switch fails.

The TCL, the handle located on the centre console, is actually not used during the flight. It is only here as a backup.

Thrust Control Lever, on the central control panel in the Eurocopter X3 cockpit

Thrust Control Lever, on the central control panel in the Eurocopter X3 cockpit

Now, look at the collective below and find the hat switch.

hat switch on the collective used to increase translational speed in the Eurocopter X3 prototype high speed helicopter

hat switch on the collective used to increase translational speed in the Eurocopter X3 prototype high speed helicopter

“Are you ready to go flying?” asked Jammayrac. “Yes, sir,” I replied. “All you have to do is push the throttle switch forward,” he instructed. “Don’t do anything else.” And that was when the X3 stopped being a helicopter and became a King Air!

Regardless of whether I “beeped” the throttle hat switch on the collective or held it forward, I could feel the power come in.

source:
http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/Pilot-Report-The-Exciting-Experimental-Exceptional&thinspX3_76928.html#.Up4dtsTuKT0

More photos:
http://www.blueskyrotor.com/performance/datasheet/Airbus__Helicopters/X3-X3

Nov 232013
 
ZS-TDT, Ecureuil AS350

End of September 2013, beginning of spring time.

The day was rather grey, not providing much hope for a VFR weather. Shortly before my arrival at the airport, I was surprised to follow two trucks carrying wrecks. 2 Bo-105, easy to recognize, but not to identify. No clear markings were displayed, only the distinctive olive colour would let you imagine a previous life in the air force.

No clue where they came from, or what happened. Continue reading »

Oct 302013
 
Alouette II landing

Once every month, the South African Air Force museum in Zwartkop, Gauteng, flies its helicopters. This small air show is opened to the public, but only few people actually come. Unlike major crowded meetings, this makes the event very nice to attend.

What would you see there?

Helicopters, of course, and other aircraft, such as the Harvard. The helicopters are military, with the corresponding colour and markings. Consequently, it is not so easy to distinguish them from the landscape. Photographers would complain that the subject does not really stand out.

Alouette II landing on parking

Alouette II landing on parking in front of the South African Air Force museum, Swartkop, Gauteng

Alouette III after flight inspection with a pilot getting pretty

Alouette III after flight inspection with a pilot getting pretty

Alouette III in approach

Alouette III in approach

Alouette III in flight

Alouette III in flight

Alouette III on ground

Alouette III on ground

Alouette III landing

Alouette III landing

Alouette III landing on taxiway

Alouette III landing on taxiway

Alouette III landing

Alouette III landing

Alouette III landing on taxi

Alouette III landing on taxi

Alouette III parking

Alouette III parking

Alouette III parking

Alouette III parking

Alouette III parking and taxi

Alouette III parking and taxi

Red Alouette III passing by

Red Alouette III passing by

Red Alouette III approaching

Red Alouette III approaching

Alouette III parked on the shadow

Alouette III parked on the shadow

Alouette III showing off

Alouette III showing off

Atlas C4M Kudu ZU-CWZ

Atlas C4M Kudu ZU-CWZ

Harvard on low pass

Harvard on low pass

2 Harvard in formation

2 Harvard in formation

3 Harvard in formation

3 Harvard in formation

Harvard formation approach

Harvard formation approach

Harvard on parking

Harvard on parking

Harvard taxiing

Harvard taxiing

Harvard tour

Harvard tour

Sunglasses reflection

Sunglasses reflection

Zwartkop South African Air Force Base, Alouette II and Alouette III

Zwartkop South African Air Force Base, Alouette II and Alouette III

Sep 222013
 
EC130 mercy helicopter at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

Today was a cold spring day at Grand Central airport, in Gauteng province, South Africa. Strong crosswinds let only a few helicopters take-off.

 

Bell 407 and R44 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

Bell 407 and R44 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

Bell 407 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

Bell 407 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

EC130 mercy helicopter at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

EC130 mercy helicopter at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

EC130 mercy helicopter at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

EC130 mercy helicopter at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

R44 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

R44 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

R44 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

R44 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

Bell 407 and R44 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

Bell 407 and R44 at FAGC airport, Gauteng province, South Africa

Jun 262013
 
Project Zero in flight, by AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland released a picture of the Project Zero prototype. Only unmanned hover flight has been tested yet, with the rotors in horizontal position.

Source: http://ow.ly/i/2saia

Project Zero in flight, by AgustaWestland

Project Zero in hover, (C) AgustaWestland

It is so easy to ask! AgustaWestland was kind enough to answer.