More Details Coming Next Month At HeliEXPO

Enstrom Helicopter’s TH180 took its first flight February 6th. In a very brief announcement, the company said the ground and flight test took about an hour, and that flight speed and maneuvers were "remarkable."

Enstrom plans to release more details at HeliEXPO next month, and have the aircraft on display. When it was introduced at the event in 2014, the company said it was designed with the student in mind. "Its rugged frame with robust, energy-absorbing landing gear delivers wide margins of safety during the learning process,” said Bill Taylor, Director of Engineering, announcing the aircraft last year. “In addition, the high inertia main rotor provides excellent autorotation characteristics and, coupled with the airframe design, contributes to the helicopter's unparalleled stability. The high inertia main rotor blades and articulated hub combine with the unblocked tail rotor to produce amazing controllability and very forgiving handling qualities.”

Mechanical controls provide direct feedback to the pilot, and basic systems prepare the student for a variety of future flying opportunities.

Enstrom says the TH180 will be “an economical addition to the training fleet." With few life-limited parts and superb customer and technical support, the TH180 boasts ease of maintenance and low operating costs. Rotor gearboxes are exchanged on an overhaul basis, and over ninety percent of parts are shipped within 24 hours, meaning less time spent on the ground, the company said.

(Image provided by Enstrom Helicopter)

FMI: www.enstromhelicopter.com