206B Main Blade Prototype Completed for HAI 2013
Van Horn Aviation personnel manufactured the first VHA composite 206B main blade in January 2013, completing it in time to display at HAI’s Heli-Expo in February. Borrowing from the VHA 206B/L tail rotor blade already in production, the main rotor blade will use a similar foam core/carbon fiber skin construction, nickel abrasion strip and titanium root fitting. The VHA composite blade will also feature a more efficient airfoil than the current OEM metal blade; this airfoil is expected to improve lift characteristics while also significantly reducing the noise signature of the helicopter.
Flight testing is scheduled to begin in fall 2013 with FAA certification in late 2015.
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