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Ian Corrigible
5th Aug 2009, 13:34
To follow-on from the closed threads here (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/159060-aerokopter-new-heli.html) and here (http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/218737-ukrainian-2-seat-helicopter.html), it looks like AK1-3 may finally be making its way over to the States.

Another European Helicopter to Invade the West - Will Also Be Available As A Kit (http://www.verticalmag.com/control/news/templates/?a=11465&z=6)
ROTOR F/X 8/4

ROTOR F/X LLC of Van Nuys, California made a major joint announcement today with the European helicopter manufacturer JSC CB Aerocopter that ROTOR F/X has become the distributor for the Aerocopter AK1-3 light helicopter for the Americas. The company will market, support and maintain the helicopter as well as provide primary and transitional flight training. Mr. Igor Polituchyi, Director of JSC CB Aerocopter said, "we are delighted to have our helicopter represented here by ROTOR F/X along with a full complement of service and support to meet all future client needs".

The Aerocopter AK1-3 is a high performance two place light helicopter holding a European type certificate since 2006. It will initially be available as an experimental helicopter in countries such as the USA in the kit form, or alternately as a fully assembled aircraft built to the certification specification for other markets. Besides personal transportation this helicopter is extremely well suited for patrol, surveillance, ENG, training, agricultural and law enforcement markets. The low acquisition price that is well under $200,000 US and very low direct operating costs make this the most economic two place helicopter available by quite a margin.

"ROTOR F/X will handle all aspects of distribution including sales, a service depot, parts, MRO and flight training for the helicopter" said Steve Dupont, Operations Director of the California company. "This helicopter provides us with the very best choice available in a light two place helicopter and will complement our current line of single place Mosquito helicopters". He continued, "It will also be the very first time that a helicopter with the engineering and sophistication to hold an ICAO member type certificate will be available to amateur builders as a kit."

The AK1-3 features an advanced three blade laminated torsion bar hub and all titanium hardware through out. The state-of-the-art panel includes a full glass EFIS with a programmable suite of features such as moving maps, HUMS, TAWS, 3D HITS and Synthetic terrain vision available and the roomy cabin is appointed with adjustable leather seats.

Performance figures for the AK1-3 helicopter include a 115 mph maximum speed, a 100 mph cruise, 1800 fpm climb, a 9800' ceiling and a very economical 7 to 9 gallon per hour fuel requirement giving this helicopter a minimum 2 hour or 200 mile range with standard fuel supply. TBO is 2000 hours and lifetime is 8000 hours for this airframe. The factory order book is currently 12 months in advance and new orders are being accepted.

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I/C

biggles99
5th Aug 2009, 20:19
I've flown it.

it's FAB.

Big Ls.

ChopperFAN
7th Aug 2009, 11:05
I like the Aerokopter, seen it around the net for a while and looks very well designed

Heres some links

http://www.aerokopter.com/EN/helicopter_kit_ak1-3.php

Aerokopter - SA (http://www.aerokopter.co.za/)


JD_EhV3b6S4

Simon :ok:

mesh1matrix2000
7th Aug 2009, 19:07
"The Aerocopter AK1-3 is a high performance two place light helicopter holding a European type certificate since 2006."

Why can the said helicopter not be used in the UK?

biggles99
7th Aug 2009, 19:44
Because it is classed as a home-built, and has a Permit to Fly, not a Certificate of Airworthiness.

And yes, the Rotorway is also classed as a home-built, but it has "grandfather rights".

The UK is out on a limb in not allowing a home-built helicopter, since France, Italy and other EASA countries allow the AK-3, and other "home-built helicopters", such as the EXCELLENT CH-7 Kompress.

The irony is that because it is P to F, it doesn't come under EASA juristriction. Therefore national rules apply. And we don't have any organisation (such as the Light Aircraft Association) that is willing to regulate another home-built helicopter.

If it had a C of A in any EASA country, then we could fly it in the UK.

Hope this helps,

Big Ls

mesh1matrix2000
7th Aug 2009, 20:20
Thank you. It is a pity that the authorities here are living in the past. This helicopter would be great to have for hobby purposes.

ShyTorque
7th Aug 2009, 20:56
Looks a great little machine.

I see however, it's got no intake heat and what looks like only a single ignition system. What is the origin of the powerplant? I'm supposing it's a Subaru car motor.

RJ Kanary
7th Aug 2009, 22:30
If it is a Subaru mill, I HOPE that they've instituted a more substantial lubrication system than is found in their earthbound brethren.An oil pump seizure in a helicopter would not be on most folk's ' To Do' list. :(

RJ

Focha
7th Aug 2009, 22:59
Looks like Allouette II small modern brother. :}

Ghostrider203
10th Aug 2009, 19:08
Incident happend in Austria today:

http://www.ff-aschach.at/fotos/Hubschrauber4.JPG

Freewheel
11th Aug 2009, 07:28
Uncertain of the autorotation characteristics of the uncertified type, the quick thinking left seat passenger assisted the aircraft's descent with her portable device.

The high visibility henchmen of the landowner, however, did not seem overly amused.......

Ian Corrigible
26th Jan 2011, 13:13
First two U.S. AK1-3 deliveries next month (http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Perla-Group-Internationals-Proprietary-AK1-3-Helicopter-Make-United-States-Debut-February-1384988.htm)

Perla Group International will deliver two of its proprietary AK1-3 helicopters to the United States within the next few weeks. This marks the U.S. debut of the lightweight, versatile aircraft to the world's largest helicopter market. Both units were acquired by private individuals for personal use.

"The AK1-3 conforms to International Airworthiness Regulations (FAR, Part 27) for normal category rotorcraft and international noise abatement regulations," said Charles D'Alberto, CEO and founder of Perla Group International. "Additionally, the craft is certified under the State Administration of Ukraine for Aviation Safety Oversight and bears a Type Certificate Number TTI 0008."

When empty, the AK1-3 weighs only 869 lbs. allowing it to be transported by a small trailer attached to a vehicle and that trailer serves as a mobile landing strip. It is powered by the proven and extremely reliable Subaru EJ 25 automobile engine.

D'Alberto said that once the AK1-3 gains a foothold in the U.S. market they will ramp up production to meet demand. He said the company is exploring opening a domestic-based production facility.

I/C

Shawn Coyle
26th Jan 2011, 13:22
There is no bilateral agreement between the Ukraine and the USA for airworthiness certification.
Good luck!

9Aplus
26th Jan 2011, 14:40
And after sale support will be, draw your price, hope not :p

parasite drag
26th Jan 2011, 17:51
I'd have to say I agree with Hellman.....

500e
26th Jan 2011, 18:13
PERLA Aviation - AK1-3 (http://www.perlagrp.com/Aviation/ak1-3.htm)
More pics & videos From Perla aviations site.
Vids a bit :D but they are sales footage.