Did my 105 course at the factory in 1978. The groundschool was delivered by a guy called von Englehardt - mate of aforementioned Herr Hoffman, and one of the original project pilots.
He told many stories about the flight test programme. A couple of exchanges will stay with me for ever -
“Ve climbed to 5000’ und ve svitched off ze tail rotor”.
”Why?”
”To see vot vould happen, of course!”
Apparently they built a clutch into the driveshaft for precisely that reason!
And……
”Is it possible to control the 105 without any hydraulics?”
”Ja. Von pilot mit both hands on ze cyclic, und von pilot mit both hands on ze collective.”
Respect. They don’t make ‘em like that any more!
Last edited by QTG; 4th Jul 2022 at 06:22.