Blade tape

[smallfry]

Hi,
Two quick questions. Does anybody know of a good supplier of blade tape in the UK for a EC350?..
and does anyone have any experience of / in the EC350 simulator in Texas?
Thanks

[B1.3 Drifter]

These guys are pretty good if you want an online place but there are quite a few other supliers that stock it, like Saywell, if you already have an account there. You'll obviously need to check that you can use this on the 350, we use it on our 902 and I'm pretty sure we used to use the same or very similar when I worked on 350's

3M 8671HS Polyurethane Protective Tape 6in x 36yds (http://www.vikingtapes.co.uk/Aerospace/3M_Helicopter_Tapes/3M_8671HS_Polyurethene_Protective_Tape/3m_8671hs_protective_tape_6_inch.htm)

[smallfry]

Many Thanks. :-)

[blakmax]

There is a novel development of a leading edge tape that not only provides protection it produces a significant reduction in aerodynamic drag with consequent increases in lift and efficiency. You should PM the PPRuNe name "fdr" for more details. This guy has done an enormous amount of testing including evaluating the improvement in stall performance for an R22 (brave man). The data to date is sufficiently impressive that it raised significant interest in military circles as a retro-fit.

If you can't find fdr, PM me and I'll let him know.

Regards

Blakmax

[smallfry]

Thanks again!

[Shawn Coyle]

My spies tell me the STC for this new tape for the R-22 will be out shortly.

[blakmax]

I just want people to be very clear (and I have discussed this with fdr) that the tapes for the R22 are NOT a prevention mechanism for leading edge disbonding. They are purely intended to improve performance. I have discussed the R22/R44 disbonding issue elsewhere, but if pressed I can deliver the lecture on bond failure forensics again if requested.

Regards

Blakmax

[John R81]

Why does this tape provide performance enhancement only on Robinson blades?

[9Aplus]

Must work on all...
question is just in % performance effect

[Shawn Coyle]

Details will be revealed when the STC is granted. It has to do with clever use of aerodynamics. The new tape also solves lots of maintenance issues with installing/ maintaining the tape. Stand by!
And it will work, with suitable modification for blade size, on nearly any helicopter rotor blades. It won't be a one-size fits all solution.

[John R81]

Mine's for an EC120, then :ok:

[ShyTorque]

I was donated a roll of similar stuff when our RAF Pumas were retro-fitted with composite blades and it was no longer used.

It's also good for protecting the paint on car door returns, where shoe heels tend to drag across it while folks are getting in and out.

Still on my car three years later, it was still like new when I sold it.