Aero HC-2 Heli Baby
Light utility helicopter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Aero HC-2 Heli Baby is a two-seat general-purpose light utility helicopter, designed by engineer Jaroslav Šlechta, and produced by the Czechoslovak company Aero Vodochody in the 1950s. It has a three-blade main rotor, and a two-blade tail rotor. The helicopter has an entirely metal frame and cockpit, and windows made of Plexiglas. It was the first and the only Czechoslovak-designed helicopter to be produced.[2]
| Aero HC-2 Heli Baby | |
|---|---|
| HC-2 in flight | |
| General information | |
| Type | Light helicopter |
| National origin | Czechoslovakia |
| Manufacturer | Aero Vodochody |
| Designer | Jaroslav Šlechta |
| Number built | 23 (including 2 prototypes) |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1958-1962[1] |
| Introduction date | 1955 |
| First flight | December 3, 1954 |
Design and development
The HC-2 was designed by a team working at Aero Vodochody led by engineer Jaroslav Šlechta, building on experience gained in the design of Šlechta's earlier Praga XE-II prototype.[3][4] Construction of the prototype began in 1951, and testing commenced in 1954. The first flight occurred on December 3, 1954,[1] and the helicopter was introduced to the public in 1955 at the Brno Industries Fair.[5] Production was slated to begin in 1957, however, engine problems delayed it.
An initial order of 200 of these helicopters was announced.[6] The Czechoslovak Air Force was a user of the HC-2, as was the Czechoslovak People's Army. The Heli Baby was capable of carrying a pilot and 100 kg (220 lb) of cargo over a distance of 100 km (62 mi), while using 22.0 L (4.85 imp gal) gallons of fuel.[7] In 1959, it was one of the world's lightest two-seated helicopters.[8] Initially powered by an 83 hp (62 kW) Praga DH engine, the more powerful 105 hp (78 kW) Avia M 110H engine, designed specifically for use in helicopters, replaced it after approximately six years.[9][10] The Heli Baby can be used for transport, training, and various "other duties in military and civil service".[11] Cargo space is situated behind the helicopter's two seats. The non-retractable undercarriage has three wheels in a tricycle configuration.
Variants
Operators
Specifications (HC-102)
Data from Se Značkou Zlin: Zlin HC-2/HC-102 Heli Baby[12]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 10.50 m (34 ft 5 in)
- Height: 2.57 m (8 ft 5 in)
- Empty weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 680 kg (1,499 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Avia M 110H 4-cylinder air-cooled piston engine, 85 kW (114 hp)
- Main rotor diameter: 8.80 m (28 ft 10 in)
- Main rotor area: 60.83 m2 (654.8 sq ft)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 120 km/h (75 mph, 65 kn)
- Cruise speed: 100 km/h (62 mph, 54 kn)
- Range: 175 km (109 mi, 94 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 3,750 m (12,300 ft)
- Rate of climb: 3.40 m/s (669 ft/min)
- Hover ceiling: 420 m (1,380 ft)
