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Old 23rd March 2009 | 04:33
  #33 (permalink)  
WhirlwindIII
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 186
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From: US
Snapsimo

Tiltrotor is very complicated, to me anyway. I think BA609 will be produced but in limited quantities due to its high cost. Speed and range advancements in conventional helis as well as coax developments are encroaching on its niche.

To me tiltrotor transports not a lot, somewhat quickly, for a pile of cash. A helicopter of comparable purchase price can transport more payload in not much less time.

I see the tiltrotor as filling a unique gap in military ops, SAR as well, but in civil ops I just don't get the cost justification. Coax helicopters may just fill the speed/range, plus more payload?, that the tiltrotor rests its chin on.

To an experienced helicopter pilot, and novice tiltrotor pilot, the XV15 was easy to fly and had definite advantages over conventional helicopters!

WIII
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