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Old 17th March 2001 | 16:11
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SPS
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In this picture you cannot see the LH tank which has a 2 1/2" tube connecting it to the RH tank for the purpose of load equalisation.

Admittedly there is a small penalty to lateral C of G in that the pump is mounted on the same side as the Pilot but this is actually less of a disadvantage than placing the pump on the LH tank would be (depending on the weight of the Pilot).


The R22 hovers left skid low but with the Pilot in correct solo position (RHS) and the additional weight of the pump (with a longer arm of course) it will hover either skids level or maybe slightly right skid low. Depending on the Pilot's weight lateral C of G is within limits but it is important to check this.

The load itself has little impact on lateral C of G as it is of equal weight for both sides and placed below the vertical C of G position and on the longitudinal C of G position. Only vertical C of G of the heli is affected when the tanks are loaded, and in an advantageous manner as it becomes lower than normal(rollover is less likely).

If any problems are experienced during flight (eg. tanks not equalising, affecting lateral C of G or engine problems for the heli) then 'dump valves'(actually doors)
in the bottom of the tanks can be electrically or mechanically triggereed. The load may be jetissoned in one second from both tanks full.

It is wise to consider a reduction in VNE (not really an issue when spraying as speeds flown are much lower)and crosswind demonstrated conditions but this is also not an issue as conditions of far less than 17kt of wind are unsuitable for spray application.

It does not take very long to get used to flying it when loaded but getting the liquid applied to the correct places in the right amounts can be another matter altogether...!