Vertical Aviation Tech Eager to go from Experimental Kit Helicopter to Production Aircraft

Vertical Aviation Technologies has announced that it's on the hunt for a strategic partner for the manufacture of their Hummingbird S-52L helicopter. 

The S-52L is a 4-spot helo based on the older Sikorsky S-52 with a bevy of modifications, new tech, materials, and processes. The end result, Vertical says, is a much more modern, safe, and higher performing aircraft. Vertical acquired the engineering and flight test data from Sikorsky. Since 1991, they have offered the aircraft as an experimental kit helicopter, but a recent deal has made them the owner of the Type Certificate for the S-52. Now, Vertical wants to amend the Type Cert with the new Hummingbird specification, allowing it to enter the commercial market. They say the design has already amassed a good deal of trial data through extensive pre-certification testing, with 3D rendering and digital testing complete. They're ready for the next phase, and eager to hit the ground running. 

“We are seeking a strategic partner who shares our vision and can provide the needed capital,” said Vertical Aviation president Brad Clark. “Since the acquisition of the Type Certificate, now is the time to enter the commercial marketplace. The certification and production effort is virtually risk-free based on thirty three years of manufacturing and selling Hummingbird kits. Like the Epic and Lancair aircraft that began as experimental kits and then certified, we are following that same path - plus, we own the existing Type Certificate." 

The completed Hummingbird S-52L in production guise carries a 6-cylinder, fuel injected IO-540 Lycoming, but Vertical says it's an "ideal candidate for a turbine" powerplant should their partner prefer it. It has been redesigned to meet modern FAA requirements, seeing considerable revision to both rotor blades, empennage, fuel system, electrical layout, instrumentation, flight controls, fuselage, nose cowling, windshield, and interior. Safety features covering Part 27 occupant safety requirements have been retained and improved where appropriate, including fuel crashworthiness revisions, seating attachment and design, energy-absorbing landing gear, and automatic collective pitch reduction, among others.

FMI: www.vertical-aviation.com