Quote:
Originally Posted by afterburn 549
That is a massive drive train!
|
The 53E has seven rotor blades and is a smooth as can be when all is well.
The rotor blades are a mixture of titanium leading edges, honey combed aluminum and CF and a ton of metal at the root.
I got to know the rotor blade manufacturing machine shop folks well and they would call me to come observe the friction stir welding for 53E blades. So cool.
I have been at 10ft and 180kts over the desert as comfortable as can be. We were of course empty, on an established low level route, etc.
Remarkable ride but I still prefer the H-60 series. The H-60L (Army version) is a stupendous helicopter...I wish I could get seat time in the upgrade.