On June 22nd, 2018, the Zefhir light turbine helicopter successfully completed the first test of its exclusive parachute safety system when the technology was dramatically demonstrated. Zefhir is currently the only civil helicopter equipped with a ballistic parachute. Installed above the main rotor, the parachute is designed as a backup for conditions where autorotation cannot be performed. The landmark test has validated the use of ballistic parachute safety systems in helicopters for the first time. Indeed, such a test has never been filmed or documented in the entire history of aerospace technology.
The two place Zefhir is due to be introduced to the US at Oshkosh this year, and will be powered by a PBS TS100 turbine engine. Long-time aerospace manufacturer, Curti Aerospace, plans to introduce the Zefhir, first as a kit, and then to eventually offer a certificated helicopter thereafter. A 100 mph cruise speed and a max takeoff weight of 1322 pounds allow for a HOGE (Hover Out of Ground Effect) of over 13,000 feet and a max range of either 172 nm or 344 nm (with optional tankage).
Aero-TV is a production of the Internationally syndicated Aero-News Network. Seen worldwide by hundreds of thousands of aviators and aviation adherents, ANN's Aero-TV has produced over 5000 aviation and feature programs, including nearly 2000 episodes of our daily aviation news program, AIRBORNE UNLIMITED, currently hosted by Kimberly Kay. Now in its third decade of operation, parent company Aero-News Network, has the most aggressive and intensive editorial profile of any aviation news organization and has published nearly a half-million news and feature stories since its inception -- having pioneered the online 24/7 aviation new-media model that so many have emulated.
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]