Bölkow Bo 103

The Bölkow Bo 103 was a small experimental helicopter flown in West Germany in 1961 to research new rotor systems. While the mechanics of the aircraft were based on the Bo 102 captive training rig, the Bo 103 was capable of fully independent flight. In configuration, it was absolutely minimalist - consisting of nothing more than a tubular frame to which the dynamic components and the pilots seat were attached, although a small fibreglass cabin was eventually attached. The aircraft retained the Bo 102's single-rotor of Glass-reinforced plastic, and proved that this was suitable for true flight. The prototype is preserved at the Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg.

Bo 103
Bölkow Bo 103 at Hubschraubermuseum Bueckeburg
Role Experimental helicopter
National origin West Germany
Manufacturer Bölkow
First flight 14 September 1961 [1]
Number built 1

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Height: 2.41 m (7 ft 11 in)
  • Empty weight: 268 kg (591 lb)
  • Gross weight: 390 kg (860 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Agusta GA.70 4-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 61 kW (82 hp)
  • Main rotor diameter: 6.66 m (21 ft 10 in)
  • Main rotor area: 34.8 m2 (375 sq ft) single bladed counter-balanced rotor

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 100 km/h (62 mph, 54 kn)
  • Range: 100 km (62 mi, 54 nmi)
  • Rate of climb: 5.7 m/s (1,120 ft/min)

See also

Related development

Related lists

References
  1. First flight of the Boelkow #BO103 with test pilot: Werner Kurze, Twitter
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 192.
  • Simpson, R. W. (1998). Airlife's Helicopters and Rotorcraft. Ramsbury: Airlife Publishing. p. 131.
  • EADS website
  • picture at Bückeburg helicopter museum.
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