Czech aerospace design bureau NA Design has halted development of its NA 40 Bongo composite two-seat very light helicopter, blaming a lack of investment.
The company had hoped to start production of the twin-turbo shaft helicopter by year-end, but says it will now have to concentrate instead on gaining funding for the programme (Flight International 19-25 February). NA Design general manager Jan Oplatek says: "Weare seeking a single financial investor at this stage, but it is proving very hard."
He admits NA Design has a problem. "While a number of potential investors have expressed an interest in the programme, they will not part with any money until the company has produced a flying prototype. But if we don't have the investment [upfront] we can't produce a flying article." NA Design has applied for government funding, but Oplatek says the application could take time to process.
Three Bongo applications are still planned, however - the NA 40 sport model for the private flyer, NA 42 Barracuda military and police version, and the NA 44 Bion vertical take off and landing unmanned air vehicle (UAV).
NA Design has already built a Bongo technical demonstrator and was in the process of manufacturing the first of three prototypes when the work was frozen.
Source: Flight International
