MMike Posted June 19, 2008 Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 Hey there Anyone have any idea why the EC120 originally had "normal" skid gear....almost like the AS350? Why'd they switch to the moustache gear? This pic is (apparently) from the first flight Just curious.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porter Posted June 19, 2008 Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 F-WWPA was the first prototype. They probably tested lots of different configurations. Check the horizontal stabilizer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cutter Posted June 19, 2008 Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 If not mistaken that was the proto 120 and is now at ECC as a training aid. If you notice the horizontal stab is not in the tailboom as in the 120. Also the gear is located further forward now and a three point attachment. France reg. also. :shock: Cheers. C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMike Posted June 19, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 But was there some sort of flight issue or something that forced them to change it? That had to be a pretty big airframe mod to move the fwd crosstube that far forward...I doubt the did it for the fun of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twinstar_ca Posted June 19, 2008 Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 my understanding was that it was to help against snagging the skid toe.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwistedSpar Posted June 19, 2008 Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 it's great for wire strike protection without having to add the extra weight of a blade....it's design has multiple positives. It's a perfect example of great design that is being copied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dewey Posted June 19, 2008 Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 Plagiarism is the highest form of flattery! We'll see how this one plays out in the courts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pc12dude Posted June 19, 2008 Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 Steel spring leaf was added to the tail end of the skids as well. Shock absorption during autos. wow... I do remember a few things from ground school Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PapaVictor Posted June 19, 2008 Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 The steel spring leaf is also against ground resonance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMike Posted June 19, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2008 I understand the benefits of the mustache gear.....I was just surprised to discover that the EC120 originally had AS350 gear (sort of). That would be a very significant design change VERY late in a development program! As for the courts.....yep...up until a year ago I was working on the 429 program. I don't work there anymore though....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.