Aero HC-2 Heli Baby

The Aero HC-2 Heli Baby is a two-seat light general-purpose utility helicopter, designed by engineer Jaroslav Slechta, and produced by the Czechoslovakian company Aero Vodochody in the 1950s. It has a three-bladed main rotor, and a two-bladed tail rotor. The helicopter has an entirely metal frame and cockpit, and windows made of Plexiglas. It was the first and the only Czechoslovakian-designed helicopter to be produced.[2]

Aero HC-2 Heli Baby
HC-2 in the National Technical Museum in Prague
Role Light helicopter
National origin Czechoslovakia
Manufacturer Aero Vodochody
Designer Jaroslav Šlechta
First flight December 3, 1954
Introduction 1955
Produced 1958-1962[1]
Number built 23 (including 2 prototypes)

Design and development

The helicopter was designed by an engineer named Jaroslav Slechta.[3] Construction of the prototype began in 1951, and testing commenced in 1954. The first flight occurred on December 3, 1954, and the public was introduced to the helicopter in 1955 at the Brno Industries Fair.[4] Production was slated to begin in 1957, however, engine problems delayed it. The initial batch produced 200 of these helicopters.[5] The Czechoslovakian Air Force was a user of the HC-2, as was the Czechoslovak People's Army. The Heli Baby is capable of carrying a pilot and 220 pounds of cargo 62 miles in one hour, while using 4.85 gallons of fuel.[6] In 1959, it was one of the world's lightest two-seated helicopters.[7] Initially powered by an 83 hp (62 kW) Praga DH engine, the more powerful 105 hp (78 kW) Avia M 110H engine, designed specifically for use in helicopters, replaced it after approximately six years.[8][9] The Heli Baby can be used for transport, training, and various "other duties in military and civil service".[10] In addition to its two seats, the helicopter has space behind it to carry cargo, and it had a tricycle undercarriage. Three wheels were used to support the helicopter on the ground.

Operators
 Czechoslovakia
  • Czechoslovakian Air Force

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1 passenger or 220 lbs. payload
  • Length: 10.5 m (34 ft 5 in)
  • Height: 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in)
  • Empty weight: 370 kg (816 lb)
  • Gross weight: 585 kg (1,290 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 580 kg (1,279 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Praga DH four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally-opposed, 62 kW (83 hp)
or 1x Avia M 110H 4-cyl air-cooled piston engine rated at 78.3 kW (105 hp)
  • Main rotor diameter: 3× 8.8 m (28 ft 10 in)
  • Main rotor area: 60.83 m2 (654.8 sq ft)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 126 km/h (78 mph, 68 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 100 km/h (62 mph, 54 kn)
  • Range: 150 km (93 mi, 81 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 3,030 m (9,940 ft)

References
Notes
  1. "Vrtulník HC 2 (VR-2) Heli Baby". Národní technické muzeum (in Czech).
  2. Taylor, John William Ransom (1968). Helicopters and VTOL aircraft. Doubleday.
  3. Lambermont, Paul Marcel; Anthony Pirie (1970). Helicopters and autogyros of the world. Barnes. p. 35.
  4. International Aeronautic Federation (1959). "Interavia". 14. Interavia: 64. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. Jane, Frederick Thomas; Charles Grey Grey; Leonard Bridgman; Leonard Howard-Flanders (1959). Jane's all the world's aircraft 1959-1960. S. Low Marston & company. p. 112.
  6. United Service and Royal Aero Club (Great Britain) and Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom (1960). "Flight International". 77. IPC Transport Press Ltd.: 714. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  7. United Service and Royal Aero Club (Great Britain) and Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom (1959). "Flight International". 75. IPC Transport Press Ltd.: 683. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. Jane, Frederick Thomas (1966). Jane's all the world's aircraft. S. Low Marston & company. p. 478.
  9. United Service and Royal Aero Club (Great Britain) and Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom (1962). "Flight International". 81. IPC Transport Press Ltd.: 894. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. Underwood, John W., ed. (1961). World Aircraft Illustrated. Aero Publishers. 1.CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)
Bibliography
  • Beneš, Ladislav. (In Czech) Československé vrtulníky známé i neznámé. Votobia, 1998. ISBN 978-80-7198-326-2.
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