Original Ec120 Landing Gear

[MMike]

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....

[porter]

F-WWPA was the first prototype. They probably tested lots of different configurations. Check the horizontal stabilizer...

[Cutter]

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

[MMike]

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!

[twinstar_ca]

my understanding was that it was to help against snagging the skid toe..

[TwistedSpar]

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.

 

 

[Dewey]

Plagiarism is the highest form of flattery!

 

We'll see how this one plays out in the courts.

[pc12dude]

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

[PapaVictor]

The steel spring leaf is also against ground resonance.

[MMike]

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.......