суббота, 24 мая 2008 г.

Mikoyan MiG27

  (Redirected from Mig-27)
MiG-27


A MiG-27 of the Indian Air Force
RoleAttack aircraft
ManufacturerMikoyan OKB, Hindustan Aeronautics
First flight20 August 1970
Introduced1975
StatusIn service with foreign users
Primary usersSoviet Air Force
Russian Air Force
Indian Air Force
Produced1970 to 1986
Number built1,075 including licensed production[1]
Developed fromMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
The Mikoyan MiG-27 (Russian: Микоян и Гуревич МиГ-27) (NATO reporting name "Flogger-D/J") is a ground-attack aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan design bureau in the Soviet Union and later license-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics as the Bahadur ("Valiant"). It is based on the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 fighter aircraft, but optimized for the air-to-ground role. However unlike the MiG-23, the MiG-27 did not see widespread use outside Russia, as most countries opted for the MiG-23BN and Sukhoi Su-25 instead. It currently only remains in service with the Indian, Kazakh and Sri Lankan Air Forces in the ground attack role. All Russian and Ukrainian examples have now been retired.

Contents

The MiG-27 shares the basic airframe of the MiG-23, but with the revised nose — nicknamed "Utkonos" ("platypus") in Russian service — introduced on the MiG-23B without radar in favor of a downward-sloping profile for improved pilot visibility a laser rangefinder and marked-target seeker. Among the tester pilots it was also called "Balkon" ("Balcony") because of the increased frontal view from the cockpit. Additional cockpit armor is installed, along with a totally new nav/attack system. Because the MiG-27 is intended to fly most of its missions at low altitude, the MiG-23's variable intake ramps and exhaust nozzles were deleted in favor of a simpler, fixed configuration, reducing weight and maintenance requirements. The aircraft also has larger, heavy-duty landing gear to facilitate operation from poorer-quality airfields.




MiG-27KMiG-27 aircraft entered service with the Sri Lanka Air Force in 2000. Since then, they have seen regular service, bombing strategic targets and providing close air support. In August 2000, a MiG-27 crashed near the Colombo international airport, killing its Ukrainian pilot. In July 2001, a second MiG-27 was destroyed on the ground during an assault to the same air force base by the LTTE. Another MiG-27 crashed into the sea near the airport in June 2004.[2] MiG-27 jets played a crucial role in Sri Lanka.

On 27 May 1999, during the Kargil War, one Indian MiG-27 was lost together with a MiG-21 while supporting Indian ground offensive in Kashmir region. Both pilots ejected and one of them, Flight Lieutenant K.Nachiketa was later captured by Pakistani forces and the other one Sqn. Ldr. Ajay Ahuja is believed to have ejected safely, but was subsequently killed by the Pakistanis.[3]In mid-February 2010, India grounded its entire fleet of the aircraft after a MiG-27 crashed on 16 February 2010 in Siliguri, West Bengal. The crash and subsequent grounding is attributed to defects in R 29 engines of the aircraft, suspected to have occurred during overhauling of the aircraft by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited [HAL].[4] Since 2001, the Indian Air Force lost 13 MiG-27s in different crashes.[5]Kazakhstan MiG-27 Flogger is still in service with the Kazakh Air Force.

The first MiG-27, and it was the first in the MiG-27 family to have a canopy without the central frame, suggesting that the ejection seat was designed to directly break through the transparency. The dielectric head above the pylon on the MiG-23 was used on the MiG-27 to house electro-optical and radio-frequency gear instead. It was armed with a Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M Gatling gun. Nato reporting name: Flogger-D.

The nuclear strike variant of MiG-27, with a PSBN-6S navigation/attack system specially designed for the mission. 560 MiG-27D were built from 1973–1977 and they were on permanent stand-by alert basis like the FB-111A of the United States Air Force.

Nato reporting name: Flogger-J. This model was an upgrade of the MiG-27, with the electro-optical and radio-frequency heads above the glove pylons deleted. It was first armed with the GSh-6-23M Gatling gun, but this was later replaced by a new 30 mm GSh-6-30 six-barrel cannon with 260 rounds of ammunition in a fuselage gondola. It also received much-improved electronic countermeasure (ECM) systems, and a new PrNK-23K nav/attack system providing automatic flight control, gun firing, and weapons release. However, this modification was not very successful because of the heavy recoil from the new cannon, and bursts longer than two or three seconds often led to permanent damage of the airframe. Test pilot V. N. Kondaurov described the first firing of the GSh-6-30А:[Need quotation to verify] "As I imposed the central mark on the air target and pressed the trigger to shoot, I heard such noise that I involuntarily drew my hand aside. The whole plane began to vibrate from the shooting and had almost stopped from the strong recoil of the gun. The pilotless target, which was just making a turn ahead of me, was literally disintegrating into pieces. I have hardly come to my senses from unexpectedness and admiration: This is a calibre! Such a beast! If you hit something — it will not be little [damaged]". A total of 150 MiG-27Ms were built from 1978 to 1983. Currently in service with the Sri Lankan Air Force.

This was an export variant of the MiG-27M provided in 1986 to India in knock-down kits for license-assembly. Same as MiG-27M except the undernose fairing for the infra-red search and track (IRST) sensor has a single window instead of several like the one on the original MiG-27M. A total of 130 were assembled by India.

This was a 1988 indigenous Indian upgrade of its license-assembled MiG-27L with French avionics, which provides the same level of performance but with much reduced size and weight.The capabilities of the aircraft are being enhanced by the incorporation of modern avionics systems consisting primarily of two Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) Mission and Display Processor (MDP), Sextant Ring Laser Gyros (RLG INSI), combined GPS/GLANOSS navigation, HUD with UFCP, Digital Map Generator (DMG), jam-resistant Secured Communication, stand-by UHF communication, data link and a comprehensive Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite. A mission planning and retrieval facility, VTR and HUD Camera will also be fitted. The aircraft will retain stand-by (conventional) instrumentation, including artificial horizon, altimeter and airspeed indicator, to cater for the failure of HUD and the MFDs.The MiG-27s are also being endowed with French Agave radar or the Russian Komar radar. The installation of the radar would give the MiG-27s anti-ship and some air-to-air capability. It is expected that at least 140 of the 180 aircraft converted from MiG-27MLs.

Nato reporting name: Flogger-J2. The MiG-27K was the final Soviet version, which added a laser designator and compatibility with TV-guided electro-optical weapons. Originally armed with the GSh-6-23M gun, but this was soon replaced with the GSh-6-30 cannon. Around 200 were built.




Operators of the MiG-27 in blue (former operators in red). NB. Iran is mistakenly shown as blue when it should be red.


Indian MiG-27 & USAF F-15.

 India
  • Indian Air Force : 148 in service


 Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka Air Force : 7 in service



 Cuba
  • Cuban Air Force received 15 Mig-27s.


 Georgia[citation needed]

 Iran
  • Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force


 Russia
  • Russian Air Force retired their aircraft from front line use, still used in reserve and in storage.


 Ukraine
  • Ukrainian Air Force, retired.


 Soviet Union
  • Soviet Air Force passed their aircraft to successor states.

General characteristics
  • Crew: One
  • Length: 17.1 m (56 ft)
  • Wingspan: * Spread: 13.8 m (45 ft 3 in)
  • Swept: 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 5 m (16 ft 5 in)
  • Wing area: * Spread: 37.35 m² (402.0 ft²)
  • Swept: 34.16 m² (367.7 ft²)
  • Empty weight: 11,908 kg (26,252 lb)
  • Loaded weight: 18,100 kg (39,900 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 20,670 kg (45,570 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1× Khatchaturov R-29-300 afterburning turbojet
    • Dry thrust: 81 kN dry (18,300 lbf)
    • Thrust with afterburner: 123 kN (27,600 lbf)
Performance
  • Maximum speed:
    • Sea level: Mach 1.10 (1,350 km/h, 839 mph)
    • at altitude: Mach 1.77 (1,885 km/h at 8,000 m, 1,170 mph at 26,000 ft
  • Range: 780 km (480 mi) combat, 2,500 km (1,550 mi) ferry
  • Service ceiling: 14,000 m (45,900 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 200 m/s (39,400 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 605 kg/m² (123 lb/ft²)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.62
Armament
  • 1x GSh-6-30 30 mm cannon with 260-300 rounds
  • One centerline, four fuselage, and two wing glove pylons for a total of 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of stores, including general-purpose bombs, rocket pods, SPPU-22 and SPPU-6 gun pods, and various guided air-to-surface missiles.

Related development
  • Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
Comparable aircraft
  • A-7 Corsair II
  • Panavia Tornado
  • IAR 93
  • SEPECAT Jaguar
  • Soko J-22 Orao
  • Sukhoi Su-17
  • General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
Related lists
  • List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS
  • List of fighter aircraft

Notes
  • ^ "MiG-27 FLOGGER / Q-6." globalsecurity.org. Retrieved: 18 October 2009.
  • ^ Labenskyj, Nicholas. "Sri Lanka To Buy MiG Aircraft From Ukraine." kievukraine.info, 11 December 2006. Retrieved: 18 October 2009.
  • ^ "1999 Kargil Conflict." globalsecurity.org. Retrieved: 18 October 2009
  • ^ "After fatal crash, Indian Air Force grounds 100 MiG-27s." in.msn.com, 23 February 2010, Retrieved: 23 February 2010.
  • ^ "India grounds MiG-27 fleet for investigation after crash." rian.ru, 24 February 2010, Retrieved: 28 February 2010.
  • Bibliography
    • Eden, Paul, ed. "Mikoyan MiG-27". Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
    • Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. The Great Book of Fighters. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-7603-1194-3.

    }

    Mikoyan MiG27

      (Redirected from Mig-27)
    MiG-27


    A MiG-27 of the Indian Air Force
    RoleAttack aircraft
    ManufacturerMikoyan OKB, Hindustan Aeronautics
    First flight20 August 1970
    Introduced1975
    StatusIn service with foreign users
    Primary usersSoviet Air Force
    Russian Air Force
    Indian Air Force
    Produced1970 to 1986
    Number built1,075 including licensed production[1]
    Developed fromMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
    The Mikoyan MiG-27 (Russian: Микоян и Гуревич МиГ-27) (NATO reporting name "Flogger-D/J") is a ground-attack aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan design bureau in the Soviet Union and later license-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics as the Bahadur ("Valiant"). It is based on the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 fighter aircraft, but optimized for the air-to-ground role. However unlike the MiG-23, the MiG-27 did not see widespread use outside Russia, as most countries opted for the MiG-23BN and Sukhoi Su-25 instead. It currently only remains in service with the Indian, Kazakh and Sri Lankan Air Forces in the ground attack role. All Russian and Ukrainian examples have now been retired.

    Contents

    The MiG-27 shares the basic airframe of the MiG-23, but with the revised nose — nicknamed "Utkonos" ("platypus") in Russian service — introduced on the MiG-23B without radar in favor of a downward-sloping profile for improved pilot visibility a laser rangefinder and marked-target seeker. Among the tester pilots it was also called "Balkon" ("Balcony") because of the increased frontal view from the cockpit. Additional cockpit armor is installed, along with a totally new nav/attack system. Because the MiG-27 is intended to fly most of its missions at low altitude, the MiG-23's variable intake ramps and exhaust nozzles were deleted in favor of a simpler, fixed configuration, reducing weight and maintenance requirements. The aircraft also has larger, heavy-duty landing gear to facilitate operation from poorer-quality airfields.




    MiG-27KMiG-27 aircraft entered service with the Sri Lanka Air Force in 2000. Since then, they have seen regular service, bombing strategic targets and providing close air support. In August 2000, a MiG-27 crashed near the Colombo international airport, killing its Ukrainian pilot. In July 2001, a second MiG-27 was destroyed on the ground during an assault to the same air force base by the LTTE. Another MiG-27 crashed into the sea near the airport in June 2004.[2] MiG-27 jets played a crucial role in Sri Lanka.

    On 27 May 1999, during the Kargil War, one Indian MiG-27 was lost together with a MiG-21 while supporting Indian ground offensive in Kashmir region. Both pilots ejected and one of them, Flight Lieutenant K.Nachiketa was later captured by Pakistani forces and the other one Sqn. Ldr. Ajay Ahuja is believed to have ejected safely, but was subsequently killed by the Pakistanis.[3]In mid-February 2010, India grounded its entire fleet of the aircraft after a MiG-27 crashed on 16 February 2010 in Siliguri, West Bengal. The crash and subsequent grounding is attributed to defects in R 29 engines of the aircraft, suspected to have occurred during overhauling of the aircraft by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited [HAL].[4] Since 2001, the Indian Air Force lost 13 MiG-27s in different crashes.[5]Kazakhstan MiG-27 Flogger is still in service with the Kazakh Air Force.

    The first MiG-27, and it was the first in the MiG-27 family to have a canopy without the central frame, suggesting that the ejection seat was designed to directly break through the transparency. The dielectric head above the pylon on the MiG-23 was used on the MiG-27 to house electro-optical and radio-frequency gear instead. It was armed with a Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M Gatling gun. Nato reporting name: Flogger-D.

    The nuclear strike variant of MiG-27, with a PSBN-6S navigation/attack system specially designed for the mission. 560 MiG-27D were built from 1973–1977 and they were on permanent stand-by alert basis like the FB-111A of the United States Air Force.

    Nato reporting name: Flogger-J. This model was an upgrade of the MiG-27, with the electro-optical and radio-frequency heads above the glove pylons deleted. It was first armed with the GSh-6-23M Gatling gun, but this was later replaced by a new 30 mm GSh-6-30 six-barrel cannon with 260 rounds of ammunition in a fuselage gondola. It also received much-improved electronic countermeasure (ECM) systems, and a new PrNK-23K nav/attack system providing automatic flight control, gun firing, and weapons release. However, this modification was not very successful because of the heavy recoil from the new cannon, and bursts longer than two or three seconds often led to permanent damage of the airframe. Test pilot V. N. Kondaurov described the first firing of the GSh-6-30А:[Need quotation to verify] "As I imposed the central mark on the air target and pressed the trigger to shoot, I heard such noise that I involuntarily drew my hand aside. The whole plane began to vibrate from the shooting and had almost stopped from the strong recoil of the gun. The pilotless target, which was just making a turn ahead of me, was literally disintegrating into pieces. I have hardly come to my senses from unexpectedness and admiration: This is a calibre! Such a beast! If you hit something — it will not be little [damaged]". A total of 150 MiG-27Ms were built from 1978 to 1983. Currently in service with the Sri Lankan Air Force.

    This was an export variant of the MiG-27M provided in 1986 to India in knock-down kits for license-assembly. Same as MiG-27M except the undernose fairing for the infra-red search and track (IRST) sensor has a single window instead of several like the one on the original MiG-27M. A total of 130 were assembled by India.

    This was a 1988 indigenous Indian upgrade of its license-assembled MiG-27L with French avionics, which provides the same level of performance but with much reduced size and weight.The capabilities of the aircraft are being enhanced by the incorporation of modern avionics systems consisting primarily of two Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) Mission and Display Processor (MDP), Sextant Ring Laser Gyros (RLG INSI), combined GPS/GLANOSS navigation, HUD with UFCP, Digital Map Generator (DMG), jam-resistant Secured Communication, stand-by UHF communication, data link and a comprehensive Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite. A mission planning and retrieval facility, VTR and HUD Camera will also be fitted. The aircraft will retain stand-by (conventional) instrumentation, including artificial horizon, altimeter and airspeed indicator, to cater for the failure of HUD and the MFDs.The MiG-27s are also being endowed with French Agave radar or the Russian Komar radar. The installation of the radar would give the MiG-27s anti-ship and some air-to-air capability. It is expected that at least 140 of the 180 aircraft converted from MiG-27MLs.

    Nato reporting name: Flogger-J2. The MiG-27K was the final Soviet version, which added a laser designator and compatibility with TV-guided electro-optical weapons. Originally armed with the GSh-6-23M gun, but this was soon replaced with the GSh-6-30 cannon. Around 200 were built.




    Operators of the MiG-27 in blue (former operators in red). NB. Iran is mistakenly shown as blue when it should be red.


    Indian MiG-27 & USAF F-15.

     India
    • Indian Air Force : 148 in service


     Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Air Force : 7 in service



     Cuba
    • Cuban Air Force received 15 Mig-27s.


     Georgia[citation needed]

     Iran
    • Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force


     Russia
    • Russian Air Force retired their aircraft from front line use, still used in reserve and in storage.


     Ukraine
    • Ukrainian Air Force, retired.


     Soviet Union
    • Soviet Air Force passed their aircraft to successor states.

    General characteristics
    • Crew: One
    • Length: 17.1 m (56 ft)
    • Wingspan: * Spread: 13.8 m (45 ft 3 in)
    • Swept: 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in)
    • Height: 5 m (16 ft 5 in)
    • Wing area: * Spread: 37.35 m² (402.0 ft²)
    • Swept: 34.16 m² (367.7 ft²)
    • Empty weight: 11,908 kg (26,252 lb)
    • Loaded weight: 18,100 kg (39,900 lb)
    • Max takeoff weight: 20,670 kg (45,570 lb)
    • Powerplant: 1× Khatchaturov R-29-300 afterburning turbojet
      • Dry thrust: 81 kN dry (18,300 lbf)
      • Thrust with afterburner: 123 kN (27,600 lbf)
    Performance
    • Maximum speed:
      • Sea level: Mach 1.10 (1,350 km/h, 839 mph)
      • at altitude: Mach 1.77 (1,885 km/h at 8,000 m, 1,170 mph at 26,000 ft
    • Range: 780 km (480 mi) combat, 2,500 km (1,550 mi) ferry
    • Service ceiling: 14,000 m (45,900 ft)
    • Rate of climb: 200 m/s (39,400 ft/min)
    • Wing loading: 605 kg/m² (123 lb/ft²)
    • Thrust/weight: 0.62
    Armament
    • 1x GSh-6-30 30 mm cannon with 260-300 rounds
    • One centerline, four fuselage, and two wing glove pylons for a total of 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of stores, including general-purpose bombs, rocket pods, SPPU-22 and SPPU-6 gun pods, and various guided air-to-surface missiles.

    Related development
    • Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
    Comparable aircraft
    • A-7 Corsair II
    • Panavia Tornado
    • IAR 93
    • SEPECAT Jaguar
    • Soko J-22 Orao
    • Sukhoi Su-17
    • General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
    Related lists
    • List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS
    • List of fighter aircraft

    Notes
  • ^ "MiG-27 FLOGGER / Q-6." globalsecurity.org. Retrieved: 18 October 2009.
  • ^ Labenskyj, Nicholas. "Sri Lanka To Buy MiG Aircraft From Ukraine." kievukraine.info, 11 December 2006. Retrieved: 18 October 2009.
  • ^ "1999 Kargil Conflict." globalsecurity.org. Retrieved: 18 October 2009
  • ^ "After fatal crash, Indian Air Force grounds 100 MiG-27s." in.msn.com, 23 February 2010, Retrieved: 23 February 2010.
  • ^ "India grounds MiG-27 fleet for investigation after crash." rian.ru, 24 February 2010, Retrieved: 28 February 2010.
  • Bibliography
    • Eden, Paul, ed. "Mikoyan MiG-27". Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
    • Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. The Great Book of Fighters. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-7603-1194-3.

    }

    суббота, 17 мая 2008 г.

    Sikorsky S61

    This article is about the civil versions of the Sikorsky S-61 models. For the military versions, see SH-3 Sea King.
    S-61L/S-61N


    HeliJet's S-61N at Vancouver International Airport
    RoleMedium-lift transport/airliner helicopter
    ManufacturerSikorsky Aircraft
    First flightMarch 11, 1959
    IntroductionSeptember 1961
    StatusActive service
    Primary usersVIH Aviation Group
    CHC HelicopterBristow Helicopters
    HeliJet
    Number built119[1]
    Developed fromSH-3 Sea King
    VariantsSikorsky S-61R



    A Canadian Helicopters Sikorsky S-61L at CFB Cold Lake in 1992


    A Bristow Helicopters S-61N operating for HM Coastguard


    A Carson Helicopters Fire King drops on the 2007 WSA Lightning Complex fire.


    A Carson Helicopters Fire King drops on the 2007 WSA Lightning Complex fire.


    A Helicsa S-61N operating for Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima.


    An S-61 helitanker uses a snorkel to refill its internal water tanksThe Sikorsky S-61L and S-61N are civil variants of the successful SH-3 Sea King helicopter. They are two of the most widely used airliner and oil rig support helicopters built.[1]

    Contents

    In September 1957, Sikorsky won a United States Navy development contract for an amphibious anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter capable of detecting and attacking submarines.[1] The XHSS-2 Sea King prototype flew on 11 March 1959. Production deliveries of the HSS-2 (later designated SH-3A) began in September 1961, with the initial production aircraft being powered by two 930 kW (1250shp) General Electric T58-GE-8B turboshafts.Sikorsky was quick to develop a commercial model of the Sea King.[1] The S-61L first flew on 2 November 1961, and was 4 ft 3in (1.27m) longer than the HSS-2 in order to carry a substantial payload of freight or passengers. Initial production S-61Ls were powered by two 1350shp (1005 kW) GE CT58-140 turboshafts, the civil version of the T58. The S-61L features a modified landing gear without float stabilisers.Los Angeles Airways was the first civil operator of the S-61[2] introducing them on 11 March 1962, for a purchased price of $650,000 each.[3]On 7 August 1962, the S-61N made its first flight.[1] Otherwise identical to the S-61L, this version is optimized for overwater operations, particularly oil rig support, by retaining the SH-3's floats. Both the S-61L and S-61N were subsequently updated to Mk II standard with improvements including more powerful CT58-110 engines giving better hot and high performance, vibration damping and other detail refinements.The Payloader, a stripped down version optimised for aerial crane work, was the third civil model of the S-61.[1] The Payloader features the fixed undercarriage of the S-61L, but with an empty weight almost 2000 lb (900 kg) less than the standard S-61N.Carson Helicopters was the first company to shorten a commercial S61. The fuselage is shortened by 50in (1.6m) to increase single engine performance and external payload.[4]A unique version is the S-61 Shortsky conversion of S-61Ls and Ns by Helipro International.[1] VIH Logging was the launch customer for the HeliPro Shortsky conversion which first flew in February 1996.One modification for the S-61 is the Carson Composite Main Rotor blade. These blades replace the original Sikorsky metal blades which are prone to fatigue. The Carson Composite Main Rotor blades permit a modified aircraft to carry an additional 2,000 lb (907 kg) load, fly 15 kn (28 km/h) faster and increases range 61 nmi (113 km).[4]The latest version is the modernized S-61T helicopter. The US State Department has signed a purchase agreement for up to 110 modernized S-61T aircraft for passenger and cargo transport missions in support of its worldwide operations. The first two modernized S-61 aircraft will support missions for the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan.[5]

    S-61L Non-amphibious civil transport version. It can seat up to 30 passengers (13 Built).S-61L Mk II Improved version of the S-61L helicopter, equipped with cargo bins.S-61N Amphibious civil transport version.S-61N Mk II Improved version of the S-61N helicopter.S-61 Payloader Stripped down machine optimised for aerial crane work; features the fixed undercarriage of the S-61L, but with an empty weight almost 900 kg (2000 lb) less than the standard S-61N.S-61 Shortsky Shortened conversion of the S-61L and N, designed to increase single engine performance and external payload.S-61T Triton S-61 modernized upgrade by Sikorsky and Carson; initial models converted were S-61N[6]

    Former operators are marked by italics

     Argentina
    • Argentine Air Force - One S-61N[7]


     Brunei
    • Brunei Shell Petroleum


     Canada
    • CHC Helicopter
    • Canadian Coast Guard
    • HeliJet
    • Cougar Helicopters
    • VIH Helicopters
    • Coulson Aircrane


     Spain
    • Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima (Helicsa)


     Greenland
    • Air Greenland


     Ireland
    • Irish Coast Guard (CHC Helicopter)


     Lebanon
    • 3 Sikorsky S-61N operated by the Lebanese Air Force on behalf of the Ministry of Interior for firefighting purposes


     Maldives
    • Hummingbird Helicopters


     Netherlands
    • CHC Helicopters Netherlands
    • KLM Helicopters


     Norway
    • Helikopter Service


     Pakistan
    • Pakistan International Airlines


     United Kingdom
    • BEA Helicopters
    • Bristow Helicopters
    • British Airways Helicopters
    • British Caledonian Helicopters
    • British International Helicopters
    • Her Majesty's Coastguard - operating Sikorsky S-61N


     United States
    • Carson Helicopters
    • Columbia Helicopters
    • Croman Corporation
    • Helicopter Transport Services
    • Los Angeles Airways
    • New York Airways
    • ERA Helicopters
    • U.S. State Department two units[8] (108 units on order[6])




    N300Y, the S-61L prototype, departing from Disneyland Heliport on a flight five years prior to its accident flight.
    • On 22 May 1968, Los Angeles Airways Flight 841 crashed near Paramount, California, resulting in the loss of 23 lives. The accident aircraft, N303Y, serial number 61060, was a Sikorsky 61L en route to Los Angeles International Airport from the Disneyland Heliport in Anaheim, California.
    • On 14 August 1968, Los Angeles Airways Flight 417 crashed in Compton, California, while en route to the Disneyland Heliport in Anaheim, California from Los Angeles International Airport, resulting in the loss of 21 lives. The accident aircraft, N300Y, serial number 61031, was the prototype of the Sikorsky S-61L.[9]
    • On 25 October 1973, an Air Greenland S-61N, OY-HAI "Akigssek" ("Grouse") crashed about 40 km south of Nuuk, resulting in the loss of 15 lives. It was en route to Pamiut from Nuuk. The same aircraft had an emergency landing on the Kangerlussuaq fjord 2 years earlier, due to double flameout on both engines because of ice in the intake.[citation needed]
    • On 16 May 1977, New York Airways' commercial S-61-L, N619PA, suffered a static rollover onto its starboard side at the heliport on top of the Pan Am Building while boarding passengers. The accident killed four boarding passengers and one woman on the street. 17 additional passengers and the three flight crew members were uninjured.[10] The landing gear collapse was a result of metal fatigue in the helicopter's main landing gear shock-absorbing strut assembly, which caused the helicopter to tip over without warning. The accident resulted in the permanent closure of the Pan Am Building heliport.[11]
    • On 16 July 1983, British Airways Helicopters' commercial S-61 G-BEON crashed in the southern Celtic Sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, while en route from Penzance to St Mary's, Isles of Scilly in thick fog. Only six of the 26 on board survived. It sparked a review of helicopter safety and was the worst civilian helicopter disaster in the UK until 1986.[citation needed]
    • 12 July 1988 a British International Helicopters S-61N ditched into the North Sea, no injuries.
    • On 5 August 2008, two pilots and seven firefighters assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California's Shasta-Trinity National Forest, were killed when Carson Helicopters Sikorsky S-61N helicopter N612AZ crashed on take-off. Of the 13 people reported to be on-board, one other pilot and three firefighters survived the crash with serious or critical injuries. Both FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.[12][13]

    Data from International Directiory of Civil Aircraft[1]General characteristics
    • Crew: 2 pilots
    • Capacity: up to 30 passengers
    • Length: 58 ft 11 in (17.96 m)
    • Rotor diameter: 62 ft (18.9 m)
    • Height: 17 ft 6 in (5.32 m)
    • Disc area: 3,019 ft² (280.6 m²)
    • Empty weight: 12,336 lb (5,595 kg)
    • Loaded weight: lb (kg)
    • Max takeoff weight: 19,000 lb (8,620 kg)
    • Powerplant: 2× General Electric CT58-140 turboshafts, 1,500 shp (1,120 kW) each
    Performance
    • Maximum speed: 166 mph (267 km/h)
    • Cruise speed: 120 kn (222 km/h)
    • Range: 450 NM (833 km)
    • Service ceiling: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)
    • Rate of climb: 1,310-2,220 ft/min (400-670 m/min)

    Related development
    • SH-3 Sea King
    • Sikorsky S-61R
    • CH-124 Sea King
    • Westland Sea King

  • ^ a b c d e f g h Frawley, Gerard: The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004, p. 194. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7.
  • ^ Apostolo, G. "Sikorsky S-61".The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. Bonanza Books, 1984. ISBN 0-517-439352.
  • ^ "The Self-Supporting Helicopter" Time Magazine December 26, 1960
  • ^ a b Carson Helicopters (2009). "About Carson Helicopters". http://www.carsonhelicopters.com/about_carson.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-12. 
  • ^ Press Releases: U.S. State Department Accepts Modernized S-61TM Helicopters for Use in Afghanistan
  • ^ a b Sikorsky S-61T gains new life in State Department program
  • ^ S-61 in FAA
  • ^ Press Releases - U.S. State Department Accepts Modernized S-61TM Helicopters for Use in Afghanistan
  • ^ Aircraft Accident Report. Los Angeles Airways, Inc. S-61L Helicopter, N300Y, Compton, California, Adopted: August 27, 1969
  • ^ UPI. Helicopter Crash Kills Five. Beaver County (Pa.) Times: Tuesday, 17 May 1977, A-13.
  • ^ Schneider, Daniel B. "F.Y.I.", July 25, 1999. Accessed September 30, 2007. "Q. Back in the 1960's and 70's, helicopters bound for Kennedy International Airport used to take off from a deck atop the old Pan Am Building. Why was the service halted? A. As many as 360 helicopter flights a day were planned by New York Airways after the 59-story Pan Am building was completed in 1963, but a bitter public outcry delayed the first few flights until Dec. 21, 1965.... The operation proved unprofitable, however, since the helicopters carried an average of only eight passengers, and the heliport, which had cost $1 million to build, closed in 1968.... After another round of hearings -- and renewed protests -- flights resumed in February 1977. Three months later, the landing gear on one of the Sikorsky S-61 helicopters collapsed while passengers were boarding, flipping it on its side and sending a 20-foot rotor blade skidding across the roof and over the west parapet wall.... Within hours, the heliport was closed indefinitely."
  • ^ "USFA Fatality Notice". United States Fire Administration. 2008-08-06. http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/ffmem/ffmem_results.jsp?p_mn_status=1&p_last_name=&p_first_name=&p_fd_city=&p_fd_state_code=&p_death_year=2008. Retrieved 2008-08-11. 
  • ^ "FAA/NTSB Investigations". Los Angeles Injury Law Firm (See post #4 titled "Nine Firefighters Believed Dead After Helicopter Crash in California"). 2008-08-06. http://www.rezat.com/archives/aviation_law/index.php#000357. Retrieved 2009-02-03. 
  • }

    Sikorsky S61

    This article is about the civil versions of the Sikorsky S-61 models. For the military versions, see SH-3 Sea King.
    S-61L/S-61N


    HeliJet's S-61N at Vancouver International Airport
    RoleMedium-lift transport/airliner helicopter
    ManufacturerSikorsky Aircraft
    First flightMarch 11, 1959
    IntroductionSeptember 1961
    StatusActive service
    Primary usersVIH Aviation Group
    CHC HelicopterBristow Helicopters
    HeliJet
    Number built119[1]
    Developed fromSH-3 Sea King
    VariantsSikorsky S-61R



    A Canadian Helicopters Sikorsky S-61L at CFB Cold Lake in 1992


    A Bristow Helicopters S-61N operating for HM Coastguard


    A Carson Helicopters Fire King drops on the 2007 WSA Lightning Complex fire.


    A Carson Helicopters Fire King drops on the 2007 WSA Lightning Complex fire.


    A Helicsa S-61N operating for Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima.


    An S-61 helitanker uses a snorkel to refill its internal water tanksThe Sikorsky S-61L and S-61N are civil variants of the successful SH-3 Sea King helicopter. They are two of the most widely used airliner and oil rig support helicopters built.[1]

    Contents

    In September 1957, Sikorsky won a United States Navy development contract for an amphibious anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter capable of detecting and attacking submarines.[1] The XHSS-2 Sea King prototype flew on 11 March 1959. Production deliveries of the HSS-2 (later designated SH-3A) began in September 1961, with the initial production aircraft being powered by two 930 kW (1250shp) General Electric T58-GE-8B turboshafts.Sikorsky was quick to develop a commercial model of the Sea King.[1] The S-61L first flew on 2 November 1961, and was 4 ft 3in (1.27m) longer than the HSS-2 in order to carry a substantial payload of freight or passengers. Initial production S-61Ls were powered by two 1350shp (1005 kW) GE CT58-140 turboshafts, the civil version of the T58. The S-61L features a modified landing gear without float stabilisers.Los Angeles Airways was the first civil operator of the S-61[2] introducing them on 11 March 1962, for a purchased price of $650,000 each.[3]On 7 August 1962, the S-61N made its first flight.[1] Otherwise identical to the S-61L, this version is optimized for overwater operations, particularly oil rig support, by retaining the SH-3's floats. Both the S-61L and S-61N were subsequently updated to Mk II standard with improvements including more powerful CT58-110 engines giving better hot and high performance, vibration damping and other detail refinements.The Payloader, a stripped down version optimised for aerial crane work, was the third civil model of the S-61.[1] The Payloader features the fixed undercarriage of the S-61L, but with an empty weight almost 2000 lb (900 kg) less than the standard S-61N.Carson Helicopters was the first company to shorten a commercial S61. The fuselage is shortened by 50in (1.6m) to increase single engine performance and external payload.[4]A unique version is the S-61 Shortsky conversion of S-61Ls and Ns by Helipro International.[1] VIH Logging was the launch customer for the HeliPro Shortsky conversion which first flew in February 1996.One modification for the S-61 is the Carson Composite Main Rotor blade. These blades replace the original Sikorsky metal blades which are prone to fatigue. The Carson Composite Main Rotor blades permit a modified aircraft to carry an additional 2,000 lb (907 kg) load, fly 15 kn (28 km/h) faster and increases range 61 nmi (113 km).[4]The latest version is the modernized S-61T helicopter. The US State Department has signed a purchase agreement for up to 110 modernized S-61T aircraft for passenger and cargo transport missions in support of its worldwide operations. The first two modernized S-61 aircraft will support missions for the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan.[5]

    S-61L Non-amphibious civil transport version. It can seat up to 30 passengers (13 Built).S-61L Mk II Improved version of the S-61L helicopter, equipped with cargo bins.S-61N Amphibious civil transport version.S-61N Mk II Improved version of the S-61N helicopter.S-61 Payloader Stripped down machine optimised for aerial crane work; features the fixed undercarriage of the S-61L, but with an empty weight almost 900 kg (2000 lb) less than the standard S-61N.S-61 Shortsky Shortened conversion of the S-61L and N, designed to increase single engine performance and external payload.S-61T Triton S-61 modernized upgrade by Sikorsky and Carson; initial models converted were S-61N[6]

    Former operators are marked by italics

     Argentina
    • Argentine Air Force - One S-61N[7]


     Brunei
    • Brunei Shell Petroleum


     Canada
    • CHC Helicopter
    • Canadian Coast Guard
    • HeliJet
    • Cougar Helicopters
    • VIH Helicopters
    • Coulson Aircrane


     Spain
    • Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima (Helicsa)


     Greenland
    • Air Greenland


     Ireland
    • Irish Coast Guard (CHC Helicopter)


     Lebanon
    • 3 Sikorsky S-61N operated by the Lebanese Air Force on behalf of the Ministry of Interior for firefighting purposes


     Maldives
    • Hummingbird Helicopters


     Netherlands
    • CHC Helicopters Netherlands
    • KLM Helicopters


     Norway
    • Helikopter Service


     Pakistan
    • Pakistan International Airlines


     United Kingdom
    • BEA Helicopters
    • Bristow Helicopters
    • British Airways Helicopters
    • British Caledonian Helicopters
    • British International Helicopters
    • Her Majesty's Coastguard - operating Sikorsky S-61N


     United States
    • Carson Helicopters
    • Columbia Helicopters
    • Croman Corporation
    • Helicopter Transport Services
    • Los Angeles Airways
    • New York Airways
    • ERA Helicopters
    • U.S. State Department two units[8] (108 units on order[6])




    N300Y, the S-61L prototype, departing from Disneyland Heliport on a flight five years prior to its accident flight.
    • On 22 May 1968, Los Angeles Airways Flight 841 crashed near Paramount, California, resulting in the loss of 23 lives. The accident aircraft, N303Y, serial number 61060, was a Sikorsky 61L en route to Los Angeles International Airport from the Disneyland Heliport in Anaheim, California.
    • On 14 August 1968, Los Angeles Airways Flight 417 crashed in Compton, California, while en route to the Disneyland Heliport in Anaheim, California from Los Angeles International Airport, resulting in the loss of 21 lives. The accident aircraft, N300Y, serial number 61031, was the prototype of the Sikorsky S-61L.[9]
    • On 25 October 1973, an Air Greenland S-61N, OY-HAI "Akigssek" ("Grouse") crashed about 40 km south of Nuuk, resulting in the loss of 15 lives. It was en route to Pamiut from Nuuk. The same aircraft had an emergency landing on the Kangerlussuaq fjord 2 years earlier, due to double flameout on both engines because of ice in the intake.[citation needed]
    • On 16 May 1977, New York Airways' commercial S-61-L, N619PA, suffered a static rollover onto its starboard side at the heliport on top of the Pan Am Building while boarding passengers. The accident killed four boarding passengers and one woman on the street. 17 additional passengers and the three flight crew members were uninjured.[10] The landing gear collapse was a result of metal fatigue in the helicopter's main landing gear shock-absorbing strut assembly, which caused the helicopter to tip over without warning. The accident resulted in the permanent closure of the Pan Am Building heliport.[11]
    • On 16 July 1983, British Airways Helicopters' commercial S-61 G-BEON crashed in the southern Celtic Sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, while en route from Penzance to St Mary's, Isles of Scilly in thick fog. Only six of the 26 on board survived. It sparked a review of helicopter safety and was the worst civilian helicopter disaster in the UK until 1986.[citation needed]
    • 12 July 1988 a British International Helicopters S-61N ditched into the North Sea, no injuries.
    • On 5 August 2008, two pilots and seven firefighters assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California's Shasta-Trinity National Forest, were killed when Carson Helicopters Sikorsky S-61N helicopter N612AZ crashed on take-off. Of the 13 people reported to be on-board, one other pilot and three firefighters survived the crash with serious or critical injuries. Both FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.[12][13]

    Data from International Directiory of Civil Aircraft[1]General characteristics
    • Crew: 2 pilots
    • Capacity: up to 30 passengers
    • Length: 58 ft 11 in (17.96 m)
    • Rotor diameter: 62 ft (18.9 m)
    • Height: 17 ft 6 in (5.32 m)
    • Disc area: 3,019 ft² (280.6 m²)
    • Empty weight: 12,336 lb (5,595 kg)
    • Loaded weight: lb (kg)
    • Max takeoff weight: 19,000 lb (8,620 kg)
    • Powerplant: 2× General Electric CT58-140 turboshafts, 1,500 shp (1,120 kW) each
    Performance
    • Maximum speed: 166 mph (267 km/h)
    • Cruise speed: 120 kn (222 km/h)
    • Range: 450 NM (833 km)
    • Service ceiling: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)
    • Rate of climb: 1,310-2,220 ft/min (400-670 m/min)

    Related development
    • SH-3 Sea King
    • Sikorsky S-61R
    • CH-124 Sea King
    • Westland Sea King

  • ^ a b c d e f g h Frawley, Gerard: The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004, p. 194. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7.
  • ^ Apostolo, G. "Sikorsky S-61".The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. Bonanza Books, 1984. ISBN 0-517-439352.
  • ^ "The Self-Supporting Helicopter" Time Magazine December 26, 1960
  • ^ a b Carson Helicopters (2009). "About Carson Helicopters". http://www.carsonhelicopters.com/about_carson.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-12. 
  • ^ Press Releases: U.S. State Department Accepts Modernized S-61TM Helicopters for Use in Afghanistan
  • ^ a b Sikorsky S-61T gains new life in State Department program
  • ^ S-61 in FAA
  • ^ Press Releases - U.S. State Department Accepts Modernized S-61TM Helicopters for Use in Afghanistan
  • ^ Aircraft Accident Report. Los Angeles Airways, Inc. S-61L Helicopter, N300Y, Compton, California, Adopted: August 27, 1969
  • ^ UPI. Helicopter Crash Kills Five. Beaver County (Pa.) Times: Tuesday, 17 May 1977, A-13.
  • ^ Schneider, Daniel B. "F.Y.I.", July 25, 1999. Accessed September 30, 2007. "Q. Back in the 1960's and 70's, helicopters bound for Kennedy International Airport used to take off from a deck atop the old Pan Am Building. Why was the service halted? A. As many as 360 helicopter flights a day were planned by New York Airways after the 59-story Pan Am building was completed in 1963, but a bitter public outcry delayed the first few flights until Dec. 21, 1965.... The operation proved unprofitable, however, since the helicopters carried an average of only eight passengers, and the heliport, which had cost $1 million to build, closed in 1968.... After another round of hearings -- and renewed protests -- flights resumed in February 1977. Three months later, the landing gear on one of the Sikorsky S-61 helicopters collapsed while passengers were boarding, flipping it on its side and sending a 20-foot rotor blade skidding across the roof and over the west parapet wall.... Within hours, the heliport was closed indefinitely."
  • ^ "USFA Fatality Notice". United States Fire Administration. 2008-08-06. http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/ffmem/ffmem_results.jsp?p_mn_status=1&p_last_name=&p_first_name=&p_fd_city=&p_fd_state_code=&p_death_year=2008. Retrieved 2008-08-11. 
  • ^ "FAA/NTSB Investigations". Los Angeles Injury Law Firm (See post #4 titled "Nine Firefighters Believed Dead After Helicopter Crash in California"). 2008-08-06. http://www.rezat.com/archives/aviation_law/index.php#000357. Retrieved 2009-02-03. 
  • }