Eagle "Helicycle" 1995 |
Company founded 23 April 1998 by B J Schramm, originator of the RotorWay kit helicopter programme. Eagle's sales policy for its Helicycle includes mandatory test flying of customer-completed aircraft by a factory pilot before handover of final key components, EAGLE HELICYCLE TYPE: Single-seat ultralight helicopter kitbuilt. PROGRAMME: Prototype (N3275Q) registered in April 1995. First customer-built aircraft (N9019U) assembled by Douglas Swochert of Burlington, Wisconsin; initially intended with two-stroke Rotax, but completed with T62 turboshaft and registered as a Swochert AAV 95. CUSTOMERS: At least 30 kits sold by 2002. Mr Swochert registered a second in his name in April 2002. DESIGN FEATURES: Embodies best features from Mr Schramm's experience of rotary-wing design; comparable in capabilities to industry-standard Robinson R22, but single-seat. Conventional appearance; small streamlined, enclosed cabin with power plant, gearbox and fuel immediately to rear; tail rotor and empennage mounted on open boom; dorsal and ventral fins, latter incorporating tail bumper. Two-blade main and tail rotors. Handling assisted by fully harmonised rotor; modulated collective system; elastomenc thrust bearings; generous flapping angle for low g and slope landing conditions; control friction devices; and electronic throttle control. STRUCTURE: Metal tube structure with composites cabin. LANDING GEAR: Twin-skid type. POWER PLANT: One piston or turbine engine. Two-stroke Rotax initially proposed, but support changed in 2002 to Hirth 3701 rated at 64.9kW at 5,000 rpm. Alternative 59.6kW Rotax 912 flat-four installation under development in 2002.
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