In our time, the world of US aviation cannot be imagined without such representatives of the light class as helicopters and airplanes. Today, this small air transport is used in all areas of the modern economy and performs various functions, such as protecting civil order, patrolling highways and pipelines for various purposes, conducting rescue and search operations, delivering goods, monitoring forest areas, extinguishing fires, and carrying out agricultural work. Airplanes and light helicopters have an incomparable advantage over other aviation representatives due to the ability to operate in remote and hard-to-reach areas and in regions with underdeveloped transport infrastructure. Also, small aircraft are becoming more accessible for use by the private sector. Airplanes and light helicopters are increasingly used in the field of tourist transportation, in sports competitions and as personal transport.
Bell Model 30 - the first lightweightUS helicopter
The history of the creation of light helicopters in the United States began during the Second World War. In 1942, Bell engineers designed and built three copies of small helicopters, which were called Model 30. Such a light US helicopter had a closed fuselage, a tail wheel landing gear, an open cockpit, in the rear of which a motor installation was placed. The machine had a gyroscopic stabilizing device, which later became a proprietary feature of Bell. With its help, a main rotor with two blades was controlled.
The first flight was made on June 26, 1943 and ended in failure: the helicopter crashed. After this incident, engineers made changes to the design of the Bell Model 30. The second copy had a more advanced propeller and a semi-monocoque fuselage. Significant changes have undergone the structure of the cabin. Now it was closed and could accommodate two pilots. Also in the cab there were doors similar to automobiles.
The third model of the Bell Model 30 light helicopter, unlike its predecessors, received a four-wheel landing gear, a cylindrical beam, an open cockpit for one pilot and more modern equipment. The flight of this helicopter took place on April 25, 1945 and ended successfully. Based on the developments of the Model 30, Bell created and subsequently began to produce light civil helicopters Model 47, the description of which is given below.
Bell Model 47 is the first mass-produced light helicopter
Bell Model 47 –the first US light helicopters to be certified by the US Aeronautics Administration. These machines immediately gained popularity among institutions of various types. In 1947, Bell received the first military orders for such helicopters. In the US Air Force, these helicopters received the designation YR-13, and in the Navy - HTL-1. The ground forces also massively acquired Bell Model 47 light helicopters.
In the wake of commercial success, the company's engineers immediately began to make design changes to improve the flight characteristics of manufactured products, which increased the number of orders for civil and military models. The latter was successfully used by the US Army to carry out activities for the evacuation of the wounded in the Korean military conflict. For the first time, light helicopters were used as military ones during search and rescue operations. They were also engaged in providing communications between combat units during armed conflicts.
Bell Model 47 became the world's first light helicopter model, which turned out to be truly successful. It was produced in more than thirty modifications and had various types of cabins and fuselage. Also, light US helicopters Bell Model 47 had the ability to use several types of power plants. Their assembly was carried out in Europe and Asia. Over the entire history of its existence, more than five thousand such helicopters have been produced.
Robinson R22 is the leader among US light helicopters
In 1973, the head of the Robinson Helicopter Company, FrankRobinson set a challenge for his designers: to create a light two-seat helicopter, the cost of production and operation of which would be lower in comparison with those of competitors.
The first prototype of this new type of small helicopter was designated R22. It was created in the hangar. The frame of this machine was made of steel trusses and sheathed with metal and composite panels. The Robinson R22 had an enclosed cockpit for two people, a skid landing gear and two two-blade propellers: a carrier and a rudder.
The helicopter of this model successfully took off on August 28, 1975, and in 1979 the first produced machines went to their customers. Since the release of the initial modification of Robinson, the company's engineers have been constantly working to improve the characteristics of the helicopter. That is why such a light helicopter is still being produced today.
In addition to various civilian versions, a special model was developed for law enforcement agencies. It is called R22 Police and is equipped with a xenon searchlight, siren, loudspeaker and other special devices. Also, this Robinson model has the ability to use the water surface as a takeoff site.
The R22 light helicopter is by far the best-selling aircraft in its class. It is he who holds all the world records among small helicopters, including speed, altitude and flight range.
Light helicopters in the service of the US Army
Light helicopters have always beenthe focus of the US military. After all, they have such unique qualities as versatility, maneuverability, ease of control and quick pilot training. Small helicopters are successfully replacing heavy vehicles when conducting search and rescue operations in military conditions, providing reconnaissance operations, and delivering cargo for various purposes.
Some light combat helicopters of the US Army will be discussed below.
MD 530MG Defender Light Combat Helicopter
Engineers and designers of the company McDonnell Douglas, which is the flagship of American aviation, have designed a small helicopter 530MG Defender. This light attack helicopter is one of the brightest representatives of military vehicles of this class.
MD 530MG Defender successfully copes with the tasks of an ambulance helicopter, can carry up to seven passengers and transport cargo weighing up to 900 kilograms. Its main military functions are reconnaissance and destruction of enemy armored vehicles. To perform combat missions, this light helicopter is equipped with anti-tank guided missiles, six-barreled M-134 machine gun mounts and other weapons.
Boeing AN-6 light helicopter is a novelty in the US Army
AH-6 is the latest development in the field of light attack helicopters in the US. This machine was based on the Hughes Helicopter model 369, which was developed in the 1960s.
The AN-6 helicopter is equipped with the latest power unit and modern avionics, the allowable payload has been increased. The helicopter can be equipped with a machine gun, an automatic cannon, two types of missiles: laser-guided and air-to-ground. The Boeing AN-6 also has other modern equipment that improves the level of safety and service in combat conditions.
US light aircraft
In the US, light aircraft have also become very popular. In America, there are many companies that offer customers a variety of small liners: from simple single-engine to business-class jet cars.
Light aircraft and helicopters perform a variety of tasks and are indispensable assistants in the civil and military spheres. Small liners are widely used in the private and corporate sectors. The most recognizable and popular brands in the light aircraft industry are Adam, Cessna, Bombardier and others.
Conclusion
Today, light aviation is becoming more and more popular, because its representatives are universal assistants in various industries. Possessing low operating costs and excellent maneuverability, modern light aircraft and helicopters successfully replace their heavy counterparts, which are not distinguished by high rates of efficiency in performing a certain number of tasks. Today, anyone can become the owner or pilot of a small modern aircraft.
