Vertical Hummingbird

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]

Design and development

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]

Variants

VAT S-52-3
Prototype of the Hummingbird family, converted from an original Sikorsky S-52-3.[3]
Hummingbird 260L
Version powered by a six cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, dual-ignition 265 hp (198 kW) Lycoming IVO-435 engine[6]
Hummingbird 300LS
Version powered by an eight cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-ignition 325 hp (242 kW) General Motors LS7 V-8 automotive conversion engine, derated to 280 hp (209 kW)[7]
Hummingbird 300L
Version powered by a six cylinder, air-cooled, fuel injected Lycoming IO-540 derated to 280 hp (209 kW)[5]

Specifications (Hummingbird 300L)

Data from Vertical Aviation[5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: three passengers
  • Width: 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)
  • Airfoil: NACA 0015
  • Empty weight: 1,790 lb (812 kg)
  • Gross weight: 2,800 lb (1,270 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 57 US gallons (47 imp gal; 220 L)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming IO-540 six cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke fuel injected aircraft engine, 280 hp (210 kW)
  • Main rotor diameter: 33 ft 0 in (10.06 m)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 110 mph (180 km/h, 96 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 110 mph (180 km/h, 96 kn)
  • Range: 380 mi (610 km, 330 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
  • Rate of climb: 950 ft/min (4.8 m/s) at 2,800 lb (1,270 kg)

References

  1. ^ a b c Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011–12, page 194. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ Vertical Aviation Technologies (2013). "Home of the four passenger Hummingbird". Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  3. ^ a b John W.R. Taylor, ed. (1988). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988–89. London: Jane's Information Group. p. 495. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.
  4. ^ Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c "Hummingbird 300L". Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  6. ^ Vertical Aviation Technologies (2013). "Hummingbird 260L". Archived from the original on October 4, 2014. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  7. ^ Vertical Aviation Technologies (2013). "Hummingbird 300LS". Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
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