The point of the motor torque spikes compared to turbine is well taken, the magic of helicopters is that they operate a one unique RPM setting (various torque settings). as the result a tuned damper shaft is bound to give good result in a small volume. This is in opposition to the automobile where the combustion engine vibration have to be absorbed across a wide range of operating points.
The engine is 100Kg heavier, the fuel is 100Kg lighter, this could work.
I do come back to the idea, what will be the reliability and maintainability of that engine compare to a turbine?. It will take a full package of benefit to convince operator and private owners. the EC120 is a great aircraft, but it is not selling so much out of the factory anymore if I am not mistaking.
Commercially, should airbus helicopter focus on it, or make more high priced EC135/EC145.... with the growth from Eurocopter to airbus helicopter, they got bigger, they therefore have to think bigger (similar to Sikorsky/Lockeed dumping the 300).
Last edited by Agile; 27th Nov 2015 at 02:28.