Sycamore latest
The Sycamore is flying with original wooden blades which have not been modified in any way.
They were sent to a German university to have their integrity checked and were found to be as good as when first manufactured apart from the trim tabs that had started to delaminate.
The Helicopter Museum at Weston super mare had all the original design specifications for the trim tabs and supplied Red Bull with the information and had new ones manufactured and fitted. They currently hold over 50 more main blades so it should be flying for a number of years to come.
KiwiNed: Yes there is an Austrian carpenter who is also available to carryout any repairs.
The current engineer has been working on the Sycamore since it was retired from German military service and he moved to Red Bull when all the airframes and spares were brought from the last Swiss owner.
It flew at the recent RAF Cosford show and then flew to the Helicopter Museum where it is in storage under cover and on public display until July when the aircrew return and it will fly again at the following shows along with the Bo105:
RNAS Yeovilton
Weston Air day
Royal International Air Tattoo
Farnborough Air Show
It may possibly go to Duxford for the flying legends event.