Mon, Jun 19, 2006
Investigation Results In Design Improvements
After a May landing accident took its prototype rotorcraft out
of commission -- and sent company president and test pilot Tony
Pena to the hospital -- representatives with HeloWerks told ANN
development work will continue on its WASP helicopter... and that
some positives will come from the negative experience.
"Based on accident damage to our HX-1 prototype, we learned that
the helicopter airframe took the landing stresses as it was
designed to do," said Pena, who is recovering from his injuries.
"Improvements can be made, and we will include them in our HX-2
helicopter."
Pena said the features of the updated HX-2 would include
improved landing gear with a step, energy-absorbing seats, and
easier cockpit access. Power plant improvements will include an
integrated electrical system, single sump pump lubrication system,
and an improved high-speed turbine engine air inlet.
"We believe our new
HX-2 helicopter will be safer, will increase potential customer
base, and attract the financial partnerships needed so we can begin
kit production," said Bob Pegg, HeloWerks vice-president.
"HeloWerks is going to become a viable force in the kit helicopter
market."
As Aero-News reported last
month, the "freak landing accident" occurred when Pena
inadvertantly toggled the HK-1's fuel solenoids off, instantly
quieting its JFS-100 turbine engine.
HeloWerks plans to sell kits for the two-place composite WASP in
phases, to make it more affordable and to develop a quick-build
option at the factory for interested builders.
The WASP was first flown publicly at the 2005 Lakeland
Fly-In.
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