It could
become the US Army's new 'superchopper' - able to transport troops,
carry heavy goods and be fitted out as a flying gunship.
This
futuristic helicopter from Texas firm AVX is the frontrunner to win a
$100bn contract from the Pentagon for the next generation of attack
helicopter.
It uses two rotors to create lift, while fans propel it forward to reach 230 knots.
The AVX chopper entry is what¿s called a
compound coaxial helicopter. It has a pair of rotors spinning in
opposite directions on top of the carbon-fiber fuselage to lift it, and
two fans at its rear end to push it.
HOW IT WORKS
The AVX design is made up of
counter rotating rotors on top and twin ducted-fans in the rear of the
aircraft, which eliminates the necessity for a tail rotor.
The
coaxial-rotors creates lift, while the fans provide forward thrust to
reach the 230 knots require by the U.S. Army for the Blackhawk replacement.
The concept also has small
wings in the front of the aircraft that create additional lift.
'The AVX
design offers the capabilities the Army wants for the future fleet of
utility and attack aircraft at a very attractive price,' the firm, also
called AVX, says.
'The AVX JMR aircraft has entry doors on both sides of the fuselage as well as a large rear ramp for easy cargo handling.
'Additionally
it has retractable landing gear and the attack variant (see below)
carries all armaments stored inside until needed which provides a
“clean” aerodynamic design.
AVX has teamed with a number of experienced aerospace companies for development of the AVX JMR/FVL design.
'The
teaming concept has allowed AVX to keep the cost of development and
eventual production of the aircraft lower than those of other offerings
while maintaining a high level of performance by the aircraft.'
The
firm is among four vying for a $100bn contract for the Joint Multi-Role
Technology Demonstrator, and the firms are expected to begin a 'flyoff'
contest in 2017.
The AVX chopper will come in several configurations, carrying cargo, troops and the injured
The design will replace the Black Hawk, shown here
With this signing, the Army has taken a large step toward developing a new family of aircraft referred to as.
'This
is a critical risk reducing effort for the Future Vertical Lift Family
of Systems,' said Maj. Gen. William Crosby, Program Executive Officer
for Aviation.
'The operational benefits and changes will depend on the capabilities we can deliver to the war fighter with FVL.
'Improved speed, range, reliability, and survivability are critical goals that we will target.'
The AVX, which could replace the
Blackhawk, is what's known as a compact coaxial-rotor/ducted-fan concept.
It is made up of
counter rotating rotors on top and twin ducted-fans in the rear of the
aircraft, which eliminates the necessity of a tail rotor.
The
coaxial-rotors creates lift, while the fans provide forward thrust to
reach the 230 knots require by the U.S. Army for the Blackhawk replacement.
The concept also has small
wings in the front of the aircraft that create additional lift.
The aircraft will weight 27,000lb (12,000kg), lift 13,000lb (5.900kg), and carry 12 combat troops plus 4 crew members.
The superchopper can also be fitted with advanced weapons and missile systems
According to DefenceTalk, the AVX design is the frontrunner for the contest.
'AVX’s coaxial-rotor/ducted-fan concept increases efficiency in all aspects of flight, while reducing vibration,' it said.
'Out
of all JMR concepts presented by the competing parties, none look as
complete, practical, futuristic, and ready as AVX’s aircraft.
'It
is thrilling to see how new ideas broad by a startup aircraft company,
few people ever heard before, will stack-up against the arrogance of the
U.S. defense establishment.'
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