| Hummingbird | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Helicopter |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Vertical Aviation Technologies |
| Introduction | 1991 |
| Status | In production (2013) |
| Developed from | Sikorsky S-52 |
The Vertical Hummingbird is an American helicopter, produced by Vertical Aviation Technologies of Sanford, Florida that was introduced in 1991. The aircraft is supplied as a kit for amateur construction. [1] [2]
The Hummingbird is a development of the certified Sikorsky S-52 that first flew in 1947, adapted to kit form. The aircraft features a single main rotor, a four-seat enclosed cabin, quadracycle landing gear and an option for skids. [1] The prototype was converted by Vertical Aviation Technologies from a Sikorsky S-52-3. [3]
The Hummingbird fuselage is made from riveted aluminum sheet. The nose section is adapted from the Bell 206. Its 33 ft (10.1 m) diameter fully articulated three-bladed main rotor employs a NACA 0015 airfoil. [4] The two-bladed tail rotor has a diameter of 5.75 ft (1.8 m). The aircraft has an empty weight of 1,790 lb (812 kg) and a gross weight of 2,800 lb (1,270 kg), giving a useful load of 1,010 lb (458 kg). With full fuel of 57 U.S. gallons (220 L; 47 imp gal) the payload is 668 lb (303 kg). [1] [5]
Data from Vertical Aviation [5]
General characteristics
Performance
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