PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Professional Opinions Sought on Experimental Helicopters
Old 12th Apr 2002, 20:55
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Dave Jackson
 
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nucleus33

In support of Helinut's comments.

Experimental or kit helicopters are in a very different market from that of certified factory built helicopters. This distinction is about to become even greater in the United States. The upcoming intermediate category SportPilot/Aircraft is excluding helicopters, due to their complexities.

The Rinke (up to $300.000.00 US) and Rotermouse are competing at the top end of the experimental kit category; a category that starts at the bottom with a $90.00 set of plans. This is a market where many of the purchasers get more pleasure from building the craft then flying it. Therefore, one has to consider the depreciation and resale value of homebuilt aircraft, particularly the high priced ones.
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A couple of comments related to your specific question.

1/ There is nothing wrong with using high strength, lightweight carbon composite in the fuselage, when the laminate includes some Kevlar or fiberglass to minimize any 'shattering' action of the carbon.

17/ At appears that the model of Allison engine to be used in the Rinke is a single shaft turbine. This means that all turbine powered homebuilt rotorcraft are using single shaft turbines or twin shaft that were only intended for intermittent duty.

The Rinke is a very attractive helicopter. Let's hope that its performance and reliability will match its aesthetics.
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