Humming Bird
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April 24th, 2oo2

The New Hummingbird

The Hummingbird helicopter kit program began in 1988.  Since that time Vertical Aviation Technologies, Inc. has been involved in many unique helicopter research and development programs.  For the past eight years Vertical Aviation Technologies has developed, certified with the FAA, and is now in production with the world’s quietest nine passenger Transport Category helicopter.  The Whisper Jet is a highly modified version of the Sikorsky S-55 helicopter including a new five bladed rotor system.  Other programs included the development of a helicopter for Lockheed Martin to be operated in the harsh environment of northern Alaska.  Since 1993 Vertical Aviation Technologies has also been working hard with improvements to the Hummingbird.

The Hummingbird is a highly modified version of the four place Sikorsky S-52 with major changes to the nose, windshield, and powerplant installations.  A recent modification has been the installation of a 260 h.p. Lycoming powerplant.  The Hummingbird is now a FAA approved helicopter combined with a FAA approved powerplant.  The Lycoming VO-435 was designed to operate in this vertical position and currently is being operated in many commercial helicopters around the world.  One version can be turbocharged to 280 h.p.  The VO-435-A1F can be operated with automobile gasoline.  This entire powerplant installation was designed to meet the requirements of F.A.R. 27.

Another change to the new Hummingbird is the composite cabin doors and tail stabilizers.  The stabilizers were designed to increase lateral and longitudinal stability, increase tail rotor effectiveness, and reduce weight on the tail of the helicopter.

Vertical Aviation Technologies is offering the only helicopter in kit form based on a previous FAA certified design.  The kit is sold in fourteen stages.  The first stage consists of building the lower cabin section.  In this stage, the builder learns about aircraft sheet metal fabrication and aircraft assembly.  All of the hydroformed parts are supplied with the kit.  In the second stage, the upper cabin section is supplied already assembled.  After fitting the upper and lower cabin sections together, the landing gear is next and then the nose and windshield.  Flight controls, electrical components, instrumentation and fuel systems are all supplied in the next stages. The tailcone, powerplant, and transmissions are supplied completely assembled ready for installation when received.  The main blades, rotorhead, and tail blades are supplied painted and balanced ready for installation as well.   The 2700 lb. gross weight, 400 mile range helicopter can be assembled in 800 hours.  The Hummingbird can be equipped in law enforcement, search and rescue, and agricultural configurations.

Vertical Aviation Technologies is an FAA approved Repair Station, specializes in helicopter research, development, design, and manufacturing, and is a highly experienced group that is well known for their innovative approach to solving technical problems.  Vertical Aviation Technologies is located at the Orlando-Sanford International Airport in Sanford, FL approximately fifteen miles north of Orlando.  For more information call, write, fax or e-mail, Vertical Aviation Technologies, Inc., 1609 Hangar Road, Sanford, FL 32773, Telephone: 407-322-9488, Fax: 407-330-2647, E-Mail, Sales@Vertical-Aviation.Com, Web: www.Vertical-Aviation.Com.

Vertical Aviation Technologies is also associated with Florida Helicopter Corporation.