> ... expect to begin delivering in 2011 ...
Only if it get certificated, which is far from certain.
The FAA presently requires that aircraft be able to
safely land with all engine out, from most flight
regimes (they already have exceptions for helo ops
off platforms).
Can this thing auto-rotate like a helo?
Guess: barely, and only if the blades are horizontal.
Can it glide like a fixed wing?
Guess: barely, and the touchdown speed will be
dangerously high.
Does pilot training include live demo of either?
Rotax has been flying on tether forever in part
due to this same requirement.
______
Gimli Gliders happen.
Can this thing auto-rotate like a helo?
Guess: barely, and only if the blades are horizontal.”
My understanding is that, like the Osprey, as a forward flying airplane, it does not need to demonstrate auto-rotation, although other safety-landing requirements have to be met.
Hmm, wonder if once, just once, those things might have crossed the minds of the engineers of a company that has been building helicopters since the late 40's.
Now, for all the naysayers who would prefer America should never take a risk and strive for greatness, here's a little Osprey porn for you: 1991 test fight.
Doesn't Rotax manufacture engines? I don't get the flying on a tether part. So solly.
Regards.
Helicopters can attempt to autorotate, there's no guarantee that said attempt will be successful; most aren't. Any idea what the disc loading on the 609 is and don't guess?
Can it glide like a fixed wing?
Guess: barely, and the touchdown speed will be dangerously high.
Any idea what the glide ratio on the 609 is and once again, don't guess?