LAE Ultrasport 496T

Ultrasport 496T
Role Helicopter
National origin Cyprus
Manufacturer LAE Helicopters Cyprus
Status Production completed
Developed from American Sportscopter Ultrasport 496

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]

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)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 209. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X