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.

FMI: www.helowerks.com