BIT said:
Nick's101 data is not applicable to VH71 which has the latest CT7-8E engines which I understand are similar to the S92 engine. Therefore the payload range figures are wrong.
True enough, the data I presented was for EH-101
There are 15600Kg 101s flying with operators today. If VH71 is the same weight how come it will not HIGE?
Because the Marine mission is at 3000 ft and 91 degrees, and at that height, even with the 8E engines, the VH-71 falls short, thus its "manufacturer" Lockheed has recommended dropping its construction and skipping right to the Increment II configuration (VH-71B?), with new ,aomn and tail blades, 5 foot larger radius, new heads, transmissions, and the new, stronger fuselage.
Well done USN on buying something that has proven capability. If you beef it up to make is stronger so be it. But if its still a 15600Kg heli it clearly will fly - nice one.
The USN bought a helo that cannot do the job, but they are paying to have a totally new design that will probably do so. The original plan was to have an EH-101 in 2008 that would carry the President, and that part of the program failed (by Lockheed's admission).