JSC CB Aerocopter, a European helicopter manufacturer located in Poltava, Ukraine, announced the U.S. availability of its Aerocopter AK1-3 light helicopter. Certified in Europe in 2006, the company claims the two-seat helicopter will initially be offered as a kit.
The AK1-3 is powered by a 156-hp Subaru EJ25 four-cylinder water-cooled, fuel-injected engine. Cruise speed is 100 mph while burning seven to nine gph of 95-octane unleaded fuel. The standard 19.1-gallon fuel tank gives the helicopter a two-hour flight endurance.
The cockpit includes a full-glass electronic flight information system with a programmable package of features such as moving maps, health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), and synthetic vision. The three-blade main rotor features a laminated torsion bar hub with all-titanium hardware.
ROTOR F/X LLC of Van Nuys, Calif., is the U.S. the distributor for the Aerocopter AK1-3. It will market, support, and maintain the helicopter as well as provide primary and transitional flight training. Steve Dupont, operations director of the California company said, “This helicopter provides us with the very best choice available in a light two-place helicopter and will complement our current line of single-place Mosquito helicopters.” He added, “It will also be the very first time that a helicopter with the engineering and sophistication to hold an ICAO member type certificate will be available to amateur builders as a kit.”
The price for the kit is $158,400 (USD), and ROTOR F/X offers a “Readybuilt” price of $186,200 (USD). For complete specifications, options. and pricing, visit the Web site.
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