Enstrom Model 480B Helicopter
Based on the success of the Enstrom Model TH-28 Helicopter, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation developed a derivative of the 280FX powered with an Allison 250-C20W turbine engine and equipped with a larger cabin with a five-person capacity. The Model 480 Helicopter was FAA-certified on Aug. 12, 1996. The Model 480B Helicopter is a derivative of the 480, developed for US Army New Training Helicopter (NTH) requirements with increased gross weight from 2,850 lb (1,293 kg) to 3,000 lb (1,360 kg) and a power limit of 285 hp (212 kW) to 305 hp (227 kW) at takeoff with a Rolls-Royce 250-C20W engine, certified FAA Part 27 on Feb. 8, 2001. The Model 480B Helicopter has a minimum of one crew and can carry up to four passengers. Like the Enstrom F-28 and 280 helicopters, the 480B has a fully articulated main rotor assembly with a larger diameter of 32.2 ft (9.8 m) from 32 ft (9.7 m) and three metallic blades. Its two-bladed tail rotor has a 5-ft (1.5-m) diameter. A tail guard is equipped to protect the rotor. To ensure a high speed of 144 mph Vne (231 km/h), it has a fixed stabilizer, a trailing edge tilted downward relative to the aircraft's water line and two vertical fins. An energy-absorbing landing gear is installed for emergency landing. Unlike conventional helicopters, the Enstrom helicopter models, such as 480B’s main rotor push-pull rods, are housed inside the main rotor shaft, which reduces the helicopter rotor flat plate drag and foreign object damage.
Resources:
- Enstrom 480, Vertipedia, Vertical Flight Society
- Enstrom 480B, Vertipedia, Vertical Flight Society
Photo by Rene Folvarcny
Description by Jacques Virasak
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