VERTICAL AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES

El helicóptero Hummingbird está basado en el Sikorsky S-52. Este modelo se vende en forma de Kit y se puede adquirir en 14 etapas diferentes, permitiéndole al propietario el armado de mas del 50% del total del aparato.

El Hummingbird esta equipado con un motor Lycoming VO-435 (el mismo que utiliza el Bell 47G ó J), con un rotor principal de 3 palas y un rotor de cola standard de 2 palas. El fuselaje, de construcción semimonocoque, es de aluminio y fibra de vidrio. El tren de aterrizaje cuatriciclo, equipado con amortiguadores y freno hidráulico.

Este helicóptero no se encuentra habilitado para el uso comercial, pero dispone de una capacidad de 4 plazas, que le permite una utilización y uso mas económica que cualquier otro helicóptero de esta categoría.

The Hummingbird helicopter was originally the Sikorsky S-52, designed for the United States Military as well as civilian operators. Numerous improvements have been incorporated into the helicopter, and the modifications have enabled the Hummingbird to be sold in its present kit form. Vertical Aviation Technologies Inc. (USA) is an FAA Approved Repair Station and specialises in Helicopter research, development, design and manufacturing. They provide service and sales to an expanding worldwide aviation market.

By utilizing components from an FAA Type Certified helicopter, VAT was able to implement safety and reliability from years of proven flight time. By offering the Hummingbird in kit form and letting the owner build 51% of the final design, rotary wing pilots finally have access to an affordable, real helicopter.

The Hummingbird is a single engine helicopter, with a 3 blade main rotor and standard 2 blade tail rotor. The fuselage is made of Aluminium and fibreglass and is semi-monocoque in construction. This helicopter kit is generally considered in three major sections:

· The engine section aft of the cabin.

· The passenger cabin section.

· The tail cone and tail rotor section.

The Hummingbird is powered by a "Lycoming VO-435" engine, a tried and true certified powerplant, used in the famous "Bell 47G" and "J" series helicopters". Fuel is supplied from a single tank located beneath the main cabin. The transmission system consists of a coupling between the engine and main gearbox, a main drive shaft extending from the top of the main gearbox to the main rotor head, and a take-off drive from the main gearbox, which drives the tail rotor drive shaft and the tail rotor head.

A quadri-cycle type landing gear, equipped with durable shock absorbing struts and hydraulic brakes is also installed on the Hummingbird… to ably handle landings on a variety of ground surfaces.

The Hummingbird, though not certified for commercial use, can provide that "4 seater comfort" and strength at around half that price, for pilots who want a real helicopter for recreational use, and are willing to assemble it themselves.

Characteristics Características	Information Información	Characteristics Características	Information Información
First Flight Primer Vuelo	19??	Engine Motor	1 Lycoming VO-435-AIF
Seating Capacity Plazas	1 / 3	Power Potencia	260 HP and a 280HP Turbo-charged version is an option for hot/high conditions
Empty Weight Peso Vacío	1800 Lbs	Hover Ceiling O.G.E. Estacionario O.G.E	4000 Fts
Maximum Weight Peso Máximo	2700 Lbs	Hover Ceiling I.G.E. Estacionario I.G.E	9000 Fts
Vel. Cruise Vel. crucero	91 Kts	Service Ceiling Techo de Servicio	12000 Fts
V.N.E. V.N.E	97 Kts	Maximum Range (Std) Alcance (Std)	NM