User:Born2flie/Hughes 300
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| Hughes/Schweizer 300 series | |
|---|---|
 Schweizer 300CB |
|
| Type | Light utility and trainer helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Hughes Helicopters Schweizer Aircraft Corporation |
| Maiden flight | 2 October 1956 (Hughes 269)[1] |
| Introduced | 1961 |
| Status | In production |
| Produced | 1961-1983 (Hughes)[2] |
| Number built | 2800 (Hughes)[1] |
| Unit cost | US $250,000 (300C in 2001) |
| Variants | MQ-8 Fire Scout |
The Schweizer 300 (formerly Hughes 300) family of light utility helicopters was originally produced by Hughes Helicopters and is now manufactured by Schweizer Aircraft, a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft, and has been in production for almost 50 years. The single, three-bladed main rotor and piston-powered Schweizer 300 is mostly used as a cost-effective platform for training and agriculture. The Schweizer 330 and 333 are turbine-powered developments of the 300 family.
Contents |
[edit] Development
[edit] Hughes 269
In 1955, Hughes Tool Company's Aircraft Division carried out a market survey which showed that there was a demand for a low-cost, lightweight two-seat helicopter.[2] The division began building the Model 269 in September 1955. It was initially designed as a fully-glazed cockpit with seating for two pilots, or a pilot and passenger, It also had an open-framework fuselage and a three-blade articulated rotor. The prototype flew on 2 October 1956,[1] but it wasn't until 1960 that the decision was made to develop the helicopter for production.[2] The original truss-work tailboom was replaced with a tubular tailboom and the cockpit was restructured and refined prior to being put into production, and Hughes successfully captured a large portion of the civilian helicopter market[1] with an aircraft that would prove itself popular in agriculture, police work and other duties.
[edit] Schweizer 330
In 1987, Schweizer announced development of the Schweizer 330 using the dynamic components, rotors, controls and systems of the 300C; however, it was redesigned with an all-new fuselage.[3] The first 330, converted from a 300C and powered by an Allison 250-C10A, flew on June 14 1988. The FAA certified the aircraft in September 1992.
The improved 330SP was introduced in May 1997 and featured an improved rotor and raised skids, which could be retrofitted to previous 330 models. An Allison (later Rolls-Royce) 250-C20W truboshaft was derated to 165kW (220hp), giving the 330SP excellent hot and high performance, maintaining power output to 18,000 feet.[citation needed]
[edit] Schweizer 333
Shortly after the release of the 330, Schweizer began work on upgrading the dynamic components of the Schweizer 330SP. Over two years later, Schweizer released a new variant, the Schweizer 333. Featuring the newly developed dynamic systems components and new-technology rotor blades with a cambered airfoil and a larger diameter, the upgraded helicopter benefited with a greater max gross weight, more useful load, more speed and more hover performance; nearly a 30% increase in performance over the 330SP. Schweizer created a kit to upgrade Model 330 and 330SP aircraft.[2]
[edit] Operational history
In 1958, prior to full-time production, Hughes provided five pre-production Model 269 examples to the U.S. Army for evaluation as a light observation helicopter to replace the aging OH-13 Sioux and OH-23 Raven. Designated as the YHO-2HU[2][4][5] the helicopter was eventually turned down. 9 April 1959, the 269 received certification from the FAA and Hughes continued to concentrate on civil production. With some design changes, deliveries of the Model 269A version began in 1961. By mid-1963 about 20 aircraft were being produced a month and by the spring of 1964, 314 had been built.[2]
While the Army hadn't found the Model 269 adequate for combat missions, in 1964 it adopted the Model 269A as its training helicopter to replace the TH-23 and designated it the TH-55A Osage.[5] 792 TH-55 helicopters would be delivered by 1969, and it would remain in service as the Army's primary helicopter trainer until it was replaced in 1988 by the UH-1 Huey. At the time of its replacement, over 60,000 Army pilots had trained on TH-55 making it the Army's longest serving training helicopter.[4] In addition to the US Army, Hughes delivered TH-55/269/300s to other military customers.[4]
In 1964, Hughes introduced the slightly-larger three-seat Model 269B which it marketed as the Hughes 300. That same year, the Hughes 269 set an endurance record of 101 hours. To set the record, two pilots took turns piloting the aircraft and hovered in ground-effect for fueling. To ensure no cheating, eggs were affixed to the bottom of the skid gear to register any record-ending landing.[1]
The Hughes 300 was followed in 1969 by the improved Hughes 300C (sometimes 269C), which first flew on 6 March 1969 received FAA certification in May 1970.[2] This new model introduced a more powerful 190hp (140kW) Lycoming HIO-360-D1A engine and increased diameter rotor, giving a payload increase of 45%, plus overall performance improvements.[4] It was this model that Schweizer began building under license from Hughes in 1983.[3] In 1986, Schweizer acquired all rights to the helicopter from McDonnell Douglas, who had purchased Hughes Helicopters in 1984 and renamed it McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems. For a few years after Schweizer acquired the FAA Type Certificate it was known as the Schweizer-Hughes 300. And, while Schweizer made over 250 minor improvements, the basic design remained unchanged.
Between Hughes and Schweizer, and including foreign-licensed production civil and military training aircraft, nearly 3,000 copies of the Model 269/300 have been built and flown over the last 50 years. And that would be the end of the story, however, Schweizer continued to develop the model 300 by adding a turbine and redesigning the body to create the model 330. And then further developing the dynamic components to take greater advantage of the power of the turbine engine led to the development of the Model 333.
Schweizer was purchased on August 26, 2004, by Sikorsky Aircraft. The Schweizer 300 models fill a gap in the Sikorsky helicopter line, which is known for its medium and heavy utility and cargo helicopters. Sikorsky has since taken advantage of Schweizer's rapid prototyping technology, originally used during development of the 333 dynamic components and the RQ-8 prototype, to develop the X-2 Technology Demonstrator.[3]
[edit] Design
The Hughes 269 was created with a fully articulated, counter-clockwise rotating, three-bladed main rotor, and a two-bladed tail rotor that would remain as distinctive characteristics of all its variants. It also has shock absorber-dampened, skid-type landing gear. The flight controls are directly linked to the control surfaces of the helicopter so there are no hydraulics in the 269. There are generally two sets of controls, although this was optional on the civil 269A. For three-seat aircraft, the middle collective control stick is removable and a seat cushion can be put in its place for the third passenger. In the 300CB and 300CBi, the collective control can be repositioned to left handed configuration for the Pilot In Command position (right seat).
[edit] Variants
- Hughes 269
- Two prototype aircraft powered by a 180 hp Lycoming O-360-A engine and had a truss tail boom. First flown on 2 October 1956.
- 269A
- Replacing the prototype truss tail boom with a tapered monocoque, aluminum tail boom, the 269A came with the option of 180 hp Lycoming engines; the low-compression O-369-C2D, the high compression HO-360-B1B, or the fuel-injected HIO-360-B1A. Customers also had the option for dual controls, and a 19 gal (72 liter) auxiliary tank.
- YHO-2
- Five 269A aircraft evaluated by the U.S. Army for an observation helicopter in 1957-58. The Army did not order the YHO-2 due to lack of funds.
- TH-55A
- 792 model 269A helicopters purchased by the U.S. Army between 1964 and 1967. Selected as its standard training helicopter and named after the Osage native American tribe. It was fitted with military radio and instrumentation. An experimental TH-55A was fitted with an Allison 250-C18 turboshaft engine, and another would be fitted with a 185 hp Wankel RC 2-60 rotary engine.
- TH-55J
- 38 license-produced versions of the 269A, built by Kawasaki Jukogyo KK for the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force
- 269A-1 "Model 200"
- The 269A-1 was a deluxe model of the 269A featuring custom interior, paint, cyclic trim and was marketed as the Hughes Model 200.[6] The Model 200 also offered an optional 30 gal (114 liter) main fuel tank instead of the standard 25 gal (95 liter) tank, however, it did not come with the O-369-C2D engine option.
- 269B "Model 300"
- Featuring a three-seat cockpit, the 269B was powered by a 190 hp Lycoming HIO-360-A1A engine and was marketed as the Hughes Model 300. Optional floats were also available on the 300, the first time available on any 269-variant.
- 280U
- single-seat, utility version of the 269B with an electric clutch and trim system. The 280U could be fitted with spraying equipment for agricultural applications.
- 300AG
- 269B designed specifically for agricultural spraying with a 30 gal (114 liter) chemical tank on each side of the fuselage, and a 35 feet (10.67 m) spray boom.
- 300B
- 269B with a Quiet Tail Rotor installed to reduce exterior noise levels to that of a light airplane. The QTR was installed on all production models starting in June 1967 and offered as a kit for previously built aircraft.
- 269C "Model 300C"
- The 300C was powered by a 190 hp (141 kw) Lycoming HIO-360-D1A and had a larger diameter main rotor (26 ft 10 in compared to 25 ft 4 in). The larger rotor and engine giving it a 45% performance increase over previous 269-models. Hughes and Schweizer both marketed the 269C as the Model 300C.
- NH-300C
- License-built 269C by Italian aircraft manufacturing firm BredaNardi.
- 300CQ
- The Sky Knight is a purpose built 300C for urban police helicopter patrols with a muffler and other noise attenuating materials and design changes to reduce the helicopter's noise signature by 75%.
- 300CB
- The 300CB is the first pure production of the 300 by Schweizer and is powered by a Textron Lycoming HO-360-G1A, 180 hp engine. The 300CB first flew on 28 May 1993, and was certified by the FAA in August 1995. The 300CB can be reconfigured from a two-seat cockpit, to a three-seat configuration. And, while it is still suited for utility and special missions, this aircraft is designed to target helicopter training.
- 300CBi
- A fuel injected version of the 300CB that alleviates carburetor icing concerns in colder temperatures. The 300CBi also includes overspeed protection and automatic rotor engagement during startup as well as a low rotor RPM warning system.
- 330
- Using the 300C dynamic components, Schweizer mounted a Rolls Royce 250-C20W engine to the airframe and developed a new four-seat cockpit/cabin and body and new instrumentation.
- 333
- Featuring new dynamic system components, new rotor blades, and high skids as standard equipment, the 333 has a 30% greater useful load than the 330SP.
- MQ-8 Fire Scout
- The MQ-8B Fire Scout is an unmannned derivative of the Schweizer 330SP helicopter, with a new fuselage, new fuel system, and UAV electronics and sensors. It also utilizes the rotor system of the Schweizer 333. The Fire Scout is currently in development for the United States Navy's VTUAV program with cooperation from Northrop Grumman.
[edit] Operators
- YHO-2
United States: United States Army - 5
- Army Aviation Test Center (1957-58)
- Hughes 269A
Algeria: Algerian Air Force
Brazil: Brazilian Navy
- 1° Esquadrao de Helicopteros de Instrucao
Sweden: Swedish Army - 2 as Hkp 5A (1962-1969)
- Hughes 269A-1
- Brazil: Brazilian Navy
- 1° Esquadrao de Helicopteros de Instrucao
Spain: Spanish Air Force as HE.20
- Escuadron 782
- TH-55A
Colombia: Colombian Air Force
- Escuela de Helicopteros
Nigeria: [citation needed]
Thailand: Royal Thai Army- United States: United States Army - 792
- Fort Wolters, Texas (1964-1973)
- Fort Rucker, Alabama (1973-1987)
- TH-55J
Japan: Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force - 38
- Hughes 269C
Costa Rica: Ministry of Public Security
Haiti: Haiti Air Force (disbanded) - 3
- Escadre d'Helicoptéres (1978-1988)[4]
India: Indian Navy - 4 as Hu300
- INAS 562 (1971-circa 1985)[5]
North Korea[2]
Sierra Leone: Republic of Sierra Leone Military Forces - 2 as Saab 300C (circa 1990)
- NH-300C
Greece: Hellenic Army Aviation - 17 (current)
- Schweizer 300C
Argentina: Argentine Coast Guard - 2 (current)
- Estación Aérea de Posadas
- Colombia: Colombian Air Force
- Escuela de Helicopteros
El Salvador: El Salvador Air Force - 6
Estonia: Estonian Border Guard Aviation Group[6] - 1
Indonesia: Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat - 6
Iraq: Iraqi Air Force
Peru: Peru Air Force - 6 (current)
- Escuadrón de Helicópteros 333[7]
- Sweden: Swedish Army - 28 as Hkp 5B (1980-2002)
- TH-300C
- Thailand: Royal Thai Army - 45 (current)
Turkey: Turkish Army - 26 (current)
[edit] Specifications
[edit] Hughes 269A
{{aero-specs}}
Data from {Evergreen Air Museum}[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 28 ft 11 in (8.8 m)
- Rotor diameter: 25 ft (7.6 m)
- Height: 7 ft 11 in (2.4 m)
- Disc area: 196.8 ft2 (18.1 m2)
- Empty weight: 896 lb (406 kg)
- Loaded weight: 1550 lb (703 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Lycoming HIO-360-B1A, 180 hp (134 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 78 kts (90 mph)
- Cruise speed: 65 kts (75 mph)
- Range: 203 nm (233 miles)
[edit] Schweizer 300C
Data from International Directiory of Civil Aircraft[3]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Capacity: 2 passengers
- Payload: 950 lb (431 kg)
- Length: 30 ft 10 in (9.4 m)
- Rotor diameter: 26 ft 10 in (8.2 m)
- Height: 8 ft 9 in (2.7 m)
- Disc area: 565 ft2 (52.8 m2)
- Empty weight: 1100 lb (499 kg)
- Loaded weight: 2050 lb (930 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 2050 lb (930 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Textron Lycoming HIO-360-D1A 4 cylinder, horizontally opposed, 190 hp (141 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 95 kts (109 mph, 176 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 86 kts (99 mph, 159 km/h)
- Range: 195 nm (204 miles)
- Rate of climb: 750 ft/min ()
[edit] Schweizer 333
Data from International Directiory of Civil Aircraft[3]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1-2 pilots
- Capacity: 1-2 passengers
- Payload: lb (kg)
- Length: (overall) 31 ft 2 in (9.5 m)
- Rotor diameter: 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
- Height: 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)
- Empty weight: 1210 lb (549 kg)
- Loaded weight: lb (kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 2550 lb (1156 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Rolls-Royce 250-C20W turboshaft, 235 shp (175 kW); full rating: 420 shp (315 kW)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 105 kt (194 km/h)
- Range: 319 nm (590 km)
- Rate of climb: 1380 ft/min ()
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e Hughes Model 269A Osage. Evergreen Aviation Museum (2001).
- ^ a b c d e f g Hughes Model 269/300.
- ^ a b c d Frawley, Gerard: The International Directiory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004, page 190. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7
- ^ a b c d Frawley, Gerard: The International Directiory of Military Aircraft, page 148. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2
- ^ a b Gunston, Bill: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Modern Military Aircraft, page 205. Crescent Books, New York, NY USA, ca. 1978. ISBN 0-517-22477-1
- ^ Michael J. Hirschberg and David K. Daley (7 July 2000). US and Russian Helicopter Development In the 20th Century.
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
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Category:Helicopters TH-55 Category:U.S. military utility aircraft 1960-1969 Category:U.S. civil utility aircraft 1960-1969
