Funny that the 4 companies competing in this have half proposing tilt-rotors and half proposing compound helicopter designs.
I do like that they are proposing a ramp exit in the back, makes loading a hell of a lot easier and you can fit small motor vehicles like a motorcycle inside that way. The Blackhawk can only lift a ton internally while it can sling load 4 tons because of the lack of a rear ramp.
I have never heard of the company AVX until I saw the art concepts of this helicopter a year ago, hopefully they are reasonable in their pricing. I also hope the marines will finally replace their cobras and huey's with whatever the Army accepts in this competition to help reduce costs.
I see couple of problems with its size, though.
For starters, it looks to have a higher profile than the Blackhawk, which will make dragging a problem as well as reduce the amount of areas it can possibly land in compared to a Blackhawk.
The proposed attack variant I am concerned, yet again, on the profile on it. The Apache and Cobras have a low profile(helped by the seating arrangement they have) The advantages of higher profile for an attack helicopter is more ammo and fuel stored, as well as possible room for a transport capacity of maybe 1-3 personnel like the Russian Mi-28, which can be useful for emergency rescue. Disadvantage, it is easier to shoot at. It is nice that the weapons are stored inside to disguise it as a transport helicopter as well as reduce drag while flying, will basically go tell insurgents to leave all of our helicopters alone.
As Canuck Fighter said. Hopefully this concept does become a reality, and an affordable and good reality at that.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteMakes to much sense. Hopefully this concept can become reality.
ReplyDeleteFunny that the 4 companies competing in this have half proposing tilt-rotors and half proposing compound helicopter designs.
ReplyDeleteI do like that they are proposing a ramp exit in the back, makes loading a hell of a lot easier and you can fit small motor vehicles like a motorcycle inside that way. The Blackhawk can only lift a ton internally while it can sling load 4 tons because of the lack of a rear ramp.
I have never heard of the company AVX until I saw the art concepts of this helicopter a year ago, hopefully they are reasonable in their pricing. I also hope the marines will finally replace their cobras and huey's with whatever the Army accepts in this competition to help reduce costs.
I see couple of problems with its size, though.
For starters, it looks to have a higher profile than the Blackhawk, which will make dragging a problem as well as reduce the amount of areas it can possibly land in compared to a Blackhawk.
The proposed attack variant I am concerned, yet again, on the profile on it. The Apache and Cobras have a low profile(helped by the seating arrangement they have) The advantages of higher profile for an attack helicopter is more ammo and fuel stored, as well as possible room for a transport capacity of maybe 1-3 personnel like the Russian Mi-28, which can be useful for emergency rescue. Disadvantage, it is easier to shoot at. It is nice that the weapons are stored inside to disguise it as a transport helicopter as well as reduce drag while flying, will basically go tell insurgents to leave all of our helicopters alone.
As Canuck Fighter said. Hopefully this concept does become a reality, and an affordable and good reality at that.