LAE Ultrasport 496T
The LAE Ultrasport 496T is a Cypriot helicopter that was produced by LAE Helicopters Cyprus of Larnaca. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied complete and ready-to-fly.[1]
| Ultrasport 496T | |
|---|---|
| Role | Helicopter |
| National origin | Cyprus |
| Manufacturer | LAE Helicopters Cyprus |
| Status | Production completed |
| Developed from | American Sportscopter Ultrasport 496 |
The aircraft was reportedly in production in 2015, but by the end of 2017 production had ended in favour of the new LAE Piranha.[1]
Design and development
The Ultrasport 496T is derived from the American Sportscopter Ultrasport 496, replacing the two-stroke powerplant with a turboshaft engine.[1]
The 496T was designed to comply with the European Class 6 microlight helicopter rules. It features a single main rotor and tail rotor, a two-seats-in side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit with a windshield, skid landing gear and a 160 hp (119 kW) Solar T62 turbine engine.[1]
The aircraft fuselage is made from composites. It has a two-bladed main and a ring-mounted tailrotor. The aircraft has a typical empty weight of 260 kg (573 lb) and a gross weight of 450 kg (992 lb), giving a useful load of 190 kg (419 lb).[1]
Reviewer Werner Pfaendler, noted that it has "an exceptional power to weight ratio".[1]
Specifications (Ultrasport 496T)
Data from Tacke[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Empty weight: 260 kg (573 lb)
- Gross weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Solar T62 turboshaft engine, 120 kW (160 hp)