From 2010: Company Pioneers Alternatives For Bell 206 TR Blades

The approved part replacement business can be a tough one... especially when you're competing with the likes of mighty Bell Helicopter. But... Van Horn Aviation is one company hitting the market with what they think may be a better idea when it comes to replacement Tail Rotor blades for the Bell 206 and other popular helicopters.

VHA tells Aero-TV that their 206 tail rotor blade take advantage of high-tech materials, a more efficient airfoil design, and advanced construction techniques to deliver great performance at double the life of current blades on the market. The composite tail rotor blade features a carbon fiber spar and skins, titanium root fitting, and a nickel abrasion strip, resulting in a lighter but stronger rotor blade.

“Our 206 tail rotor blade incorporates an advanced NASA-developed airfoil and shaped tip,” said VHA president James Van Horn.

“The combination of the thinner airfoil and shaped tip result in a 40% reduction in the helicopter’s overall sound exposure level according to FAA-mandated noise emission tests conducted by an independent company in May. During flight testing we also noticed significantly reduced pedal forces as compared to the OEM blade.”

FMI: http://vanhorn1.qwestoffice.net, http://vanhorn1.qwestoffice.net/206tailrotor.html, www.rotor.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews