Interesting Helicopter *pic*

Looks like an MD520 with floats. Interesting that the tail is in the water as there's a lot of moving parts still going on inside the tail-boom.

HeavyArty wrote:

Yup, MD520 NOTAR w/floats it is.  Pretty cool helo.

Cool, thanks for the info. Does anyone know what it was used for?

David

So do the fins on the back provide stability instead of a tail rotor?

David

David,

There is a blower in the base of the tail boom that blows air out a controlable vent in the rear of the tail boom that counter acts the torgue instead of a conventional tail rotor. 

Thats sort of interesting. Is there an advantage to that system over a tail rotor?

David

David,

Eliminating the tail rotor has several advantages.  You are removing a high rpm component that is subect to vibration problems, eliminating a gear box and tail rotor assembly that require time changes and overhauls.  Eliminating a high noise source and danger area to people and objects.  A tail rotor strike could ruin everybody's day!  There is probably a weight and power reduction savings also.

Melgyver wrote:

David, Eliminating the tail rotor has several advantages.  You are removing a high rpm component that is subect to vibration problems, eliminating a gear box and tail rotor assembly that require time changes and overhauls.  Eliminating a high noise source and danger area to people and objects.  A tail rotor strike could ruin everybody's day!  There is probably a weight and power reduction savings also.

Cool, thanks for the info.

David

I can't say for sure, but that photo looks like they (MD Helicopters) are possibly doing autorotations to the water to certify the fixed floats being fitted to the MD520N. Not sure why the helicopter is so 'tail-low' though. Normally the helicopter is levelled out just before touch down. It definetly shows the advantages of the NOTAR system.

LD.