sonic67 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 290 posts, RR: 0 Posted (3 years 1 month 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 3660 times:
AVX seems to have come up with a upgrade concept that could modify new or existing Bell OH-58D with a kit to meet the US Army's requirements. What is the likely hood that the US Army would consider the this concept? It seems to me a great idea and low cost alternative.
Quotes from articles below:
Gaffey, a retired chief engineer of Bell Helicopter, is seeking partners to launch the project in advance of a potential competition to replace the US Army's Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
The company needs to raise $30 million to launch a proof-of-concept demonstration using a Bell 206, with first flight possible within 18 months. It plans to offer the product to the army as a $1.5 million kit upgrade
keesje From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 1, posted (3 years 1 month 21 hours ago) and read 3546 times:
Looking at how much time and money it costed OEMS to mature this technology I cannot see how this could be an easy upgrade. There is a lot of complex aerodynamics, mechanics, interferences involved.
sonic67 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 290 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (3 years 4 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 3106 times:
I agree the transmission would be complex but not something that hasn't been done before. I'm hoping they can get the funding for the demonstrator and they are able to get it flying.
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