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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Softex Aero
 
 
Softex Aero successfully flies indigenously made VV-2 helicopter
 
The Ukrainian company Softex Aero, based in Kyiv Region, announced yesterday the successful first flight of the homegrown VV-2 light attack and reconnaissance helicopter. The company unveils the maiden flight of the first prototype through a video published on its Youtube account on Sept. 14, 2016.
     
     
The company showcased a mock up of the rotorcraft for the first time during “Sun n Fun” in April 2016 in Florida, US.

The VV-2 is a two-seat attack helicopter which adopts the same tandem design for the crew than other famous platforms such as the American AH-64 or the French Tiger combat choppers. According to Softex Aero, the pilot would be behind et and the weapons operator would seat in the front.

However, with a maximum take-off weight of 1,100 kg, the VV-2 would fly in a completely different weight category than the platforms mentioned here above. With a length of 8 m, a rotor diameter of 8,5 m and a height of 2,2 m, the VV-2 is nearly two times smaller than the Apache. The main and tail rotors will be composed of composite materials.

The VV-2 will be powered by a single TS 100 ZA turboshaft engine offering an output of 190hp in cruise conditions and 245hp for an urgent take-off. The engine is manufactured by the Czech company PBS Velká Bíteš. With this configuration, the VV-2 could reach a maximum cruise speed of 240km/h and a rate of climb of 9 m/s. It has an operational range of 500km and a ceiling of 4,000 m.

According to Softex Aero, an unmmaned variant is considered to perform ISR or/and combat missions.

 

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