Enstrom F28F Falcon

Type (Muster)
Light helicopter (Einmotoriger Leichthubschrauber)

Country (Land)
USA

Manufacturer (Hersteller)
Enstrom Helicopter Corp.
PO Box 490
Menominee, MI 49585
USA

Phone: 001-906/863-1200
Fax: 001-906/863-6821

General (Allgemeine Angaben)
Crew (Besatzung): 1
Passengers (Passagiere): 2
Baggage (Gepäck): 0,18 cu m, holding 49 kg

Power plant (Antrieb): 1 x Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD four-cylinder aircooled piston engine
Power (Leistung): 168 kW (228 hp) turbocharged to deliver full power from sea level to 12000 feet (3660 m)

Dimensions (Abmessungen)
Length overall (Länge): 8,94 m over rotors
Height (Höhe): 2,74 m
Cabin width at seat (Kabinenbreite): 1,54 cm
Width over skids (Breite über Landekufen): 2,21 m
Main rotor diameter (Hauptrotordurchmesser): 9,75 m
Tail-rotor diameter (Heckrotordurchmesser): 1,42 m
Main rotor disk (Hauptrotorfläche): 74,7 sq m

Weights (Massen)
Empty weight (Leermasse): 712 kg
Useful load (max. Zuladung): 467 kg
Fuel (Kraftstoff): 114 kg (42 gal) plus 35 kg (13 gal) auxiliary
Max. gross weight (Max. Startmasse): 1179 kg

Performance (Flugleistungen)
Never-exceed speed (Höchstgeschwindigkeit): 180 km/h IAS, up to 3000 ft
Max. cruise speed (Reisegeschwindigkeit): 180 km/h
Economical cruise speed (wirtschaftliche Reisegeschw.): 164 km/h
Max. operating altitude (Dienstgipfelhöhe): 3660 m (12000 ft)
Best rate of climb (Steigrate): 7,4 m/s at 1050 kg gross weight or 5,9 m/s at 1179 kg
Hover ceiling (Schwebeflughöhe)
- out of ground effect (ohne Bodeneffekt): 2650 m at 1043 kg gross weight
- in ground effect (im Bodeneffekt): 4025 m (13200 ft) at 1043 kg gross weight, or 2345 m at 1179 kg
Maximum range (max. Reichweite): 446 km, no reserve
Endurance (Einsatzdauer): 3,5 h

Costs (Kosten)
A basic price of 247000 US-Dollars was mentioned at the end of 1998.
Direct operating costs were put at 85,05 US-Dollars per hour in the spring of 1998.

Customers (Kunden)
Around 120 of the model F28F were delivered by the end of 1997. Among fleet users are the Peruvian Army (10) and the Colombian Air Force (12). Also, the F28F is in service with many police departments in the US, like the Pasadena Police Department and the Fresno Police Department.
Total model F28 production is now over 625. According to AIA statistics, recent deliveries (combined with the Model 280) were 5 in 1999, 3 in 1998, 5 in 1997, 4 in 1996, 3 in 1995, 13 in 1994, 8 in 1993. Before that, there were 3 deliveries in 1992, 8 in 1991, 12 in 1990, 6 in 1989, 7 in 1988, 7 in 1987, 3 in 1986, 11 in 1985, 2 in 1984, 8 in 1983, 17 in 1982, 29 in 1981, 18 in 1980, 19 in 1979, 44 in 1978 and 44 in 1977.

Competitors (Konkurrenz)
Robinson R22
Schweizer 300C

Remarks (Bemerkungen)
The Enstrom F28F Falcon is the latest model in the F28 series, which traces its history back to the early 60s. It introduced a 20 hp power increase and various refinements. Continuous detail development in recent years added a redesigned main gearbox, a heavy wall main rotor shaft and optional exhaust silencers.
A special version for police operations is desgnated F28F-P , fitted with searchlights, loudspeakers and FLIR sensors.
The other Enstrom piston-powered helicopter in production today is the 280FX, which differs little from the F28F, but is more tailored to personal transportation use.

History (Geschichte)
The F28F was certified by the FAA to FAR Pt 6 on 31 December 1980.

Last updated 3 March 2000

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