Enstrom Helicopters continues to pursue long-running talks on a planned joint venture in China for local assembly of piston and turbine-powered machines.
The Michigan-based light helicopter manufacturer is still awaiting final approval from the Chinese authorities after more than five years of delay. But it says plans for the joint venture with Wuhan Helicopters to produce the 480, F28, TH-28 and 280FX are still "active". A major obstacle is believed to be private operator access to airspace, which is controlled by the Chinese military.
Enstrom recently delivered another five-seat 480 to Wuhan Helicopters General Aviation to add to the piston-powered 280FX and F28 used locally by the police. The privately owned charter operator, which supports the Yangtze River Three Gorges dam project, hopes to acquire a fleet of between five and 10 machines.
Meanwhile, Enstrom's main focus is on continuing improvements to its range of four helicopters. It has received US Federal Aviation Administration approval for an anti-nodal vibrating cantilever beam to dampen vibration on the 480 in the 30-40kt (55-75km/h) low-speed range and translation. The absorber can be retrofitted and is standard on new-build machines.
Enstrom president Robert Tuttle says the company is working on stepping up the single-turbine 480's optional equipment and a modest 35-45kg (75-100lb) increase in payload and maximum take-off weight, to 1,293kg.
Source: Flight International
