ILA 2008: All eyes are on new NEO helicopter

NEO, a brand new kit-built light helicopter from Youngcopter is debuting at Berlin.

Björn Jung, the man behind the NEO says: “This is the prototype and we’re showing it here to judge the market reaction.”

This prototype is currently in ground testing and Jung hopes that over the summer months it will make its maiden flight.

Jung says that the projected cruise speed is 100kts, “but should be faster”. It will offer a range of 300 nautical miles.

Powering the three-bladed main rotor is an unnamed automotive Japanese Wankel engine with 180hp. It will run on mogas and here in Germany will need the local ‘super benzine’.

“The three-blade main rotor avoids the issue of mast bumping, which is something that can affect two-bladed helicopters,” explains Jung.

The NEO does bear a similar resemblance to Hughes’ (now MD Helicopters) classic ‘flying egg’ aka MD 500. It features a similar anti-torque system to avoid using a tail rotor.

“It is similar to MD’s NOTAR, and we’re often asked if it violates any patents.  It doesn’t, because they’ve expired,” he adds.

Jung is excited about the reaction from show goers to his all-composite NEO.

“If flight testing goes well then perhaps we will start kit production next summer and then start delivering the first kits at the end of 2009.

“There is an excitement around helicopters and I am surprised by the amount of interest we have received before we even got to ILA,” says Jung.

Jung doesn’t have a fixed price yet and is keen not to start taking deposits yet, “but if someone really wants to pay a deposit then I won’t say no”.

“It’s a spacious cabin for this size of helicopter, and has sleek aerodynamics. It has a large baggage hold with a 400 litre capacity,” he says.
NEO’s maximum take off weight will be 640kg (1,410lb) with a landing weight of 260kg (570lb).

The NEO is a direct competitor to Rotorway’s Exec.

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Source: Flight Daily News