Авіаційно-космічна техніка та технологія (Aug 2020)
THE MARKET AND THE FUTURE OF TURBINE POWERED LIGHT HELICOPTERS
Abstract
In the introductory part of the article, it is provided brief information about the main activity of JSC “Element”- developer and manufacturer of electronic control systems for aircraft engines, in particular unit RDTs-450M for AI-450M helicopter turboshaft gas turbine engines, created by SE “Ivchenko-Progress”. JSC ”Element”, together with its partners - SE “Ivchenko-Progress” and JSC “Motor-Sich” – for more than 10 years involved in the modernization of Mi-2 light helicopter. In the next section is gave the classification of helicopters, as well as a segment of light helicopters with turbine engines. It is outlined the scope of light helicopters. It is noted that the segment of light helicopters with turbine engines – the most popular in the world market of civil helicopters and provides a forecast of the supply of these helicopters for the next 10 years. Lists the world's major developers and manufacturers of light helicopters, and the technical characteristics of 12 models of light helicopters with turbine engines are depicted. It is noted that most helicopter models are not entirely new developments and have been modernized over many years. The characteristic design features of light helicopters with turbine engines, especially the layout of plant and equipment are depicted. There is a trend of using one model of helicopter multiple engine types. Lists the world's major developers and manufacturers of engines for light helicopters, as well as the technical characteristics of the six models of gas turbine engines are depicted. The main structural and compositional features of gas-turbine engines of different manufacturers and types of a helicopter on which they installed are described. Separately, brief information about the Ukrainian gas-turbine engines: AI-450M and MS-500V. It is noted that all, without exception, mentioned in the article, engines are equipped with a digital single or dual-channel FADEC type control system with hydro-mechanical redundancy. Brief information about individual conceptual samples of rotary-wing technology introduced in recent years is given. The main directions of work in the field of helicopter engines are described. In conclusion, the Ukrainian helicopter and Aero-engine industry are in a difficult economic situation, but remain competitive and require assistance and the expansion of the market.
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