For this week’s blog post counting down to the 2014 Farnborough Airshow, we take a look at some of the key innovations in helicopter and rotorcraft technology that have displayed at the show over the last 60 years.
1958 & the Bristol Belvedere 192
1958 saw a range of ‘egg-beaters’ on display at the airshow, but most significantly perhaps was the Bristol Belvedere 192 – a tandem rotorcraft which only had achieve its first flight in July of the same year. The helicopter showcases UK expertise in a form of technology which would go on to become the backbone of the RAF and British Army’s transport fleet – the US made Boeing Chinook. The video below shows the Type 192 at 1 min 15, but also showcases a number of other rotorcraft as a particular highlight of the show.
Tiltrotor Technology
The airshow has also seen a strong presence of tilt-rotor technology on display – primarily through the V-22 Osprey, which first debuted in 2006, and the AW609, which displayed in 2008. The V-22 has become one of the workhorses of US Marine Corps and US Air Force over the last few years, and the AW609 represents an ongoing research project into developing a new civil market for tiltrotor aircraft.
The V-22’s impressive display in 2012
AW609 show debut in 2008
AgustaWestland Future Lynx Wildcat
The AW159 Lynx Wildcat displayed at the 2012 Farnborough Airshow, and represents the future of the Royal Navy and British Army’s multi-role helicopter fleet. Designed a produced in Yeovil, the Wildcat will serve in battlefield utility, search and rescue and anti-surface warfare roles from 2014/15, and it was in Farnborough 2012 where the successful first delivery of the Wildcat was made to the MoD.
Apache
Displayed at a number of Farnborough airshows over the years, the Apache’s speed and incredible maneuverability is always an impressive when displayed fully.
