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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
||name = Aero HC-2 Heli Baby
||name = Aero HC-2 Heli Baby
|image = Aero HC-2 Heli Baby, National Technical Museum (Prague).JPG
|image = File:Aero HC-2 Heli Baby.jpg
|caption = HC-2 in the [[National Technical Museum (Prague)|National Technical Museum in Prague]]
|caption = HC-2 in flight
}}
}}
{{Infobox aircraft type
{{Infobox aircraft type
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|primary user = <!-- List only one user; for military aircraft, this is a nation or a service arm. Please DON'T add those tiny flags, as they limit horizontal space. -->
|primary user = <!-- List only one user; for military aircraft, this is a nation or a service arm. Please DON'T add those tiny flags, as they limit horizontal space. -->
|more users = <!-- Limited to THREE (3) 'more users' here (4 total users). Separate users with <br/>. -->
|more users = <!-- Limited to THREE (3) 'more users' here (4 total users). Separate users with <br/>. -->
|produced = 1958-1962<ref>{{cite web |title=Vrtulník HC 2 (VR-2) Heli Baby |url=http://www.ntm.cz/heslar/heli-baby |website=Národní technické muzeum |language=cs}}</ref>
|produced = 1958-1962<ref name="ntm">{{cite web |title=Vrtulník HC 2 (VR-2) Heli Baby |url=http://www.ntm.cz/heslar/heli-baby |website=Národní technické muzeum |language=cs |access-date=2018-09-30 |archive-date=2018-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930115943/http://www.ntm.cz/heslar/heli-baby |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|number built = 23 (including 2 prototypes)
|number built = 23 (including 2 prototypes)
|program cost = <!--Total program cost-->
|program cost = <!--Total program cost-->
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|}


The '''Aero HC-2 Heli Baby''' is a two-seat light general-purpose utility [[helicopter]], designed by engineer Jaroslav Slechta, and produced by the Czechoslovakian company [[Aero Vodochody]] in the 1950s. It has a three-bladed [[main rotor]], and a two-bladed [[tail rotor]]. The helicopter has an entirely metal frame and cockpit, and windows made of [[Plexiglas]]. It was the first and the only Czechoslovakian-designed helicopter to be produced.<ref>{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=John William Ransom|title=Helicopters and VTOL aircraft|year=1968|publisher=Doubleday}}</ref>
The '''Aero HC-2 Heli Baby''' is a two-seat general-purpose light utility [[helicopter]], designed by engineer Jaroslav Šlechta, and produced by the Czechoslovak company [[Aero Vodochody]] in the 1950s. It has a three-blade [[main rotor]], and a two-blade [[tail rotor]]. The helicopter has an entirely metal frame and cockpit, and windows made of [[Plexiglas]]. It was the first and the only Czechoslovak-designed helicopter to be produced.<ref>{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=John William Ransom|title=Helicopters and VTOL aircraft|year=1968|publisher=Doubleday}}</ref>


==Design and development==
==Design and development==
The HC-2 was designed by a team working at [[Aero Vodochody]] led by engineer Jaroslav Šlechta, building on experience gained in the design of Šlechta's earlier [[Praga XE-II]] prototype.{{sfn|Beněs, Soukup & Sviták ''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1976. No. 9|p=354}}{{sfn|Lambermont|Pirie|1970|p=35}} Construction of the prototype began in 1951, and testing commenced in 1954. The first flight occurred on December 3, 1954,<ref name="ntm"/> and the helicopter was introduced to the public in 1955 at the Brno Industries Fair.{{sfn|Baur|1959|p=64}} Production was slated to begin in 1957, however, engine problems delayed it.
The helicopter was designed by an engineer named Jaroslav Slechta.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lambermont|first=Paul Marcel|title=Helicopters and autogyros of the world|year=1970|publisher=Barnes|author2=Anthony Pirie|page=35}}</ref> Construction of the prototype began in 1951, and testing commenced in 1954. The first flight occurred on December 3, 1954, and the public was introduced to the helicopter in 1955 at the Brno Industries Fair.<ref>{{cite journal|last=International Aeronautic Federation|title=Interavia|year=1959|volume=14|publisher=Interavia|page=64}}</ref> Production was slated to begin in 1957, however, engine problems delayed it. The initial batch produced 200 of these helicopters.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jane|first=Frederick Thomas|title=Jane's all the world's aircraft 1959-1960|year=1959|publisher=S. Low Marston & company|author2=Charles Grey Grey|author3=Leonard Bridgman|author4=Leonard Howard-Flanders|page=112}}</ref> The Czechoslovakian Air Force was a user of the HC-2, as was the Czechoslovak People's Army. The Heli Baby is capable of carrying a pilot and 220 pounds of cargo 62 miles in one hour, while using 4.85 gallons of fuel.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Flight International|year=1960|volume=77|author=United Service and Royal Aero Club (Great Britain) and Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom|page=714|publisher=IPC Transport Press Ltd.}}</ref> In 1959, it was one of the world's lightest two-seated helicopters.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Flight International|year=1959|volume=75|author=United Service and Royal Aero Club (Great Britain) and Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom|page=683|publisher=IPC Transport Press Ltd.}}</ref> Initially powered by an {{convert|83|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Praga DH engine, the more powerful {{convert|105|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Avia M 110H engine, designed specifically for use in helicopters, replaced it after approximately six years.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jane|first=Frederick Thomas|title=Jane's all the world's aircraft|year=1966|publisher=S. Low Marston & company|page=478}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Flight International|year=1962|volume=81|author=United Service and Royal Aero Club (Great Britain) and Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom|page=894|publisher=IPC Transport Press Ltd.}}</ref> The Heli Baby can be used for transport, training, and various "other duties in military and civil service".<ref>{{cite journal|title=none|journal=World Aircraft Illustrated|year=1961|volume=1|editor1-first=John W.|editor1-last=Underwood|publisher=Aero Publishers}}</ref> In addition to its two seats, the helicopter has space behind it to carry cargo, and it had a tricycle undercarriage. Three wheels were used to support the helicopter on the ground.

An initial order of 200 of these helicopters was announced.{{sfn|Bridgman|Taylor|1959|p=112}} The Czechoslovak Air Force was a user of the HC-2, as was the Czechoslovak People's Army. The Heli Baby was capable of carrying a pilot and {{convert|220|lb|kg|order=flip|abbr=on}} of cargo over a distance of {{convert|62|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=on}}, while using {{convert|4.85|impgal|L|order=flip|abbr=on}} gallons of fuel.{{sfn|''Flight International'' 27 May 1960|p=714}} In 1959, it was one of the world's lightest two-seated helicopters.{{sfn|''Flight International'' 15 May 1959|p=22}} Initially powered by an {{convert|83|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Praga DH engine, the more powerful {{convert|105|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Avia M 110H engine, designed specifically for use in helicopters, replaced it after approximately six years.{{sfn|Taylor|1966|pp=478–479}}{{sfn|''Flight International'' 7 June 1962|p=894}} The Heli Baby can be used for transport, training, and various "other duties in military and civil service".{{sfn|Underwood|1961|p=23}} Cargo space is situated behind the helicopter's two seats. The non-retractable undercarriage has three wheels in a tricycle configuration.

==Variants==
;HC-2
:Prototypes and initial production, powered by {{convert|62|kW|hp|abbr=on}} [[Praga DH]] engine.{{sfn|''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1993 No. 22|p=1483}}
;HC-102
: Revised version, powered by {{convert|85|kW|hp|abbr=on}} Avia M 110H engine.{{sfn|''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1993 No. 22|p=1483}}
;HC-202
: Proposed version powered by uprated ({{convert|103|kW|hp|abbr=on}} M 110H engine. Unbuilt.{{sfn|Beněs, Soukup & Sviták ''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1976. No. 12|pp=474–475}}


==Operators==
==Operators==
;{{CZS}}
;{{CZS}}
*[[Czechoslovak People's Army]]{{sfn|''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1993 No. 22|p=1483}}
*[[Czechoslovakian Air Force]]
*[[Svazarm]]{{sfn|''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1993 No. 22|p=1483}}


==Specifications==
==Specifications (HC-102)==
{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|prime units?=met
|prime units?=met
|ref=Se Značkou Zlin: Zlin HC-2/HC-102 Heli Baby{{sfn|''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1993 No. 22|p=1483}}
<!--
<!--
General characteristics
General characteristics
-->
-->
|crew=1
|crew=1
|capacity=1 passenger or 220 lbs. payload
|capacity=1 passenger
|length m=10.5
|length m=10.50
|height m=2.3
|height m=2.57
|empty weight kg=370
|empty weight kg=450
|gross weight kg=585
|gross weight kg=
|max takeoff weight kg=580
|max takeoff weight kg=680
<!--
<!--
Powerplant
Powerplant
-->
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Praga DH]]
|eng1 name=[[Avia M 110H]]
|eng1 type=four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally-opposed
|eng1 type=4-cylinder air-cooled piston engine
|eng1 hp=83
|eng1 kw=85
|eng1 note=<br/>
|eng1 note=
::or 1x [[Avia M 110H]] 4-cyl air-cooled piston engine rated at {{convert|78.3|kW|hp|abbr=on|0}}


|rot number=3
|rot number=1
|rot dia m=8.8
|rot dia m=8.80
|rot area sqm=60.83
|rot area sqm=60.83
<!--
<!--
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-->
-->


|max speed kmh=126
|max speed kmh=120
|cruise speed kmh=100
|cruise speed kmh=100
|range km=150
|range km=175
|ceiling m=3030
|ceiling m=3750
|climb rate ms=3.40
|more performance=*'''Hover ceiling:''' {{convert|420|m|ft|abbr=on}}
}}
}}


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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
;Bibliography
;Bibliography
* {{cite magazine |last=Baur |first=E. |title=A Visit to the Czechoslovak Aircraft Industry |magazine=[[Interavia (magazine)|Interavia]] |date=January 1959 |volume=XIV |issue=1 |pages=63–66}}
*Beneš, Ladislav. (In Czech) ''Československé vrtulníky známé i neznámé''. Votobia, 1998. {{ISBN|978-80-7198-326-2}}.
*Beneš, Ladislav. (In Czech) ''Československé vrtulníky známé i neznámé''. Votobia, 1998. {{ISBN|978-80-7198-326-2}}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Beněs |first1=Ladislav |last2=Soukup |first2=Oldřich |last3=Sviták |first3=Pavel |title=Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů |trans-title=Helicopters of our Constructors |magazine=Letectví + Kosmonautika |year=1976 |volume=52 |issue=9 |pages=354–355 |language=cs |ref={{harvid|Beněs, Soukup & Sviták ''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1976. No. 9}} }}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Beněs |first1=Ladislav |last2=Soukup |first2=Oldřich |last3=Sviták |first3=Pavel |title=Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů |trans-title=Helicopters of our Constructors |magazine=Letectví + Kosmonautika |year=1976 |volume=52 |issue=10 |pages=394–395 |language=cs |ref={{harvid|Beněs, Soukup & Sviták ''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1976. No. 10}} }}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Beněs |first1=Ladislav |last2=Soukup |first2=Oldřich |last3=Sviták |first3=Pavel |title=Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů |trans-title=Helicopters of our Constructors |magazine=Letectví + Kosmonautika |year=1976 |volume=52 |issue=11 |pages=434–435 |language=cs |ref={{harvid|Beněs, Soukup & Sviták ''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1976. No. 11}} }}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Beněs |first1=Ladislav |last2=Soukup |first2=Oldřich |last3=Sviták |first3=Pavel |title=Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů |trans-title=Helicopters of our Constructors |magazine=Letectví + Kosmonautika |year=1976 |volume=52 |issue=12 |pages=474–475 |language=cs |ref={{harvid|Beněs, Soukup & Sviták ''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1976. No. 12}} }}
* {{cite book |last1=Bridgman |first1=Leonard |author1-link=Leonard Bridgman |last2=Taylor |first2=John W. R. |author2-link=John W. R. Taylor |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1959-60 |year=1959 |location=London |publisher=Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd.}}
* {{cite magazine |title=Helicopters of the World |magazine=[[Flight International]] |date=15 May 1959 |volume=75 |issue=2625 |pages=679–698 |ref={{harvid|''Flight International'' 15 May 1959}} }}
* {{cite magazine |title=Helicopters of the World |magazine=Flight International |date=27 May 1960 |volume=77 |issue=2672 |pages=711–718, 725–730 |ref={{harvid|''Flight International'' 27 May 1960}} }}
* {{cite book |last1=Lambermont |first1=Paul |last2=Pirie |first2=Anthony |title=Helicopters & Autogyros of the World |edition=Second |year=1970 |location=London |publisher=Cassell & Company Ltd |isbn=0-304-93390-2}}
* {{cite magazine |title=Se Značou Zlin: Zlin HC-2/HC-102 Heli Baby |trans-title=With the Zlin Badge: Zlin HC-2/HC-102 Heli Baby|magazine=Letectví + Kosmonautika |year=1993 |volume=69 |issue=22 |page=1483 |language=cs |issn=0024-1156 |ref={{harvid|''Letectví + Kosmonautika'' 1993 No. 22}}}}
* {{cite book |last=Taylor |first=John W. R. |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1966–67 |year=1966 |location=London |publisher=Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd.}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Volejník |first=Jiří |title=Se značou ZLIN... |trans-title=With the Zlin Badge |magazine=Letectví + Kosmonautika |year=1993 |volume=69 |issue=4 |pages=61–62 |language=cs |issn=0024-1156}}
* {{cite magazine |title=VTOL: A "Flight International" Survey |magazine=Flight International |date=7 June 1962 |volume=81 |issue=2778 |pages=891–909 |ref={{harvid|''Flight International'' 7 June 1962}} }}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Underwood |editor-first=John W. |title=World Aircraft Illustrated |year=1961 |location=Los Angeles |publisher=Aero Publishers}}


{{Aero Vodochody aircraft}}
{{Aero Vodochody aircraft}}
{{Czech helicopters}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Aero Hc-2 Heli Baby}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Aero Hc-2 Heli Baby}}
[[Category:Czechoslovakian civil utility aircraft 1950–1959]]
[[Category:1950s Czechoslovak civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:Czechoslovakian helicopters 1950–1959]]
[[Category:1950s Czechoslovak helicopters]]
[[Category:Aero Vodochody aircraft|HC-2]]
[[Category:Aero Vodochody aircraft|HC-2]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1954]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1954]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston helicopters]]

Latest revision as of 11:40, 30 October 2024

Aero HC-2 Heli Baby
HC-2 in flight
Role Light helicopter
National origin Czechoslovakia
Manufacturer Aero Vodochody
Designer Jaroslav Šlechta
First flight December 3, 1954
Introduction 1955
Produced 1958-1962[1]
Number built 23 (including 2 prototypes)

The Aero HC-2 Heli Baby is a two-seat general-purpose light utility helicopter, designed by engineer Jaroslav Šlechta, and produced by the Czechoslovak company Aero Vodochody in the 1950s. It has a three-blade main rotor, and a two-blade tail rotor. The helicopter has an entirely metal frame and cockpit, and windows made of Plexiglas. It was the first and the only Czechoslovak-designed helicopter to be produced.[2]

Design and development

[edit]

The HC-2 was designed by a team working at Aero Vodochody led by engineer Jaroslav Šlechta, building on experience gained in the design of Šlechta's earlier Praga XE-II prototype.[3][4] Construction of the prototype began in 1951, and testing commenced in 1954. The first flight occurred on December 3, 1954,[1] and the helicopter was introduced to the public in 1955 at the Brno Industries Fair.[5] Production was slated to begin in 1957, however, engine problems delayed it.

An initial order of 200 of these helicopters was announced.[6] The Czechoslovak Air Force was a user of the HC-2, as was the Czechoslovak People's Army. The Heli Baby was capable of carrying a pilot and 100 kg (220 lb) of cargo over a distance of 100 km (62 mi), while using 22.0 L (4.85 imp gal) gallons of fuel.[7] In 1959, it was one of the world's lightest two-seated helicopters.[8] Initially powered by an 83 hp (62 kW) Praga DH engine, the more powerful 105 hp (78 kW) Avia M 110H engine, designed specifically for use in helicopters, replaced it after approximately six years.[9][10] The Heli Baby can be used for transport, training, and various "other duties in military and civil service".[11] Cargo space is situated behind the helicopter's two seats. The non-retractable undercarriage has three wheels in a tricycle configuration.

Variants

[edit]
HC-2
Prototypes and initial production, powered by 62 kW (83 hp) Praga DH engine.[12]
HC-102
Revised version, powered by 85 kW (114 hp) Avia M 110H engine.[12]
HC-202
Proposed version powered by uprated (103 kW (138 hp) M 110H engine. Unbuilt.[13]

Operators

[edit]
 Czechoslovakia

Specifications (HC-102)

[edit]

Data from Se Značkou Zlin: Zlin HC-2/HC-102 Heli Baby[12]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Length: 10.50 m (34 ft 5 in)
  • Height: 2.57 m (8 ft 5 in)
  • Empty weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 680 kg (1,499 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Avia M 110H 4-cylinder air-cooled piston engine, 85 kW (114 hp)
  • Main rotor diameter: 8.80 m (28 ft 10 in)
  • Main rotor area: 60.83 m2 (654.8 sq ft)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 120 km/h (75 mph, 65 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 100 km/h (62 mph, 54 kn)
  • Range: 175 km (109 mi, 94 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 3,750 m (12,300 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 3.40 m/s (669 ft/min)
  • Hover ceiling: 420 m (1,380 ft)

References

[edit]
Notes
  1. ^ a b "Vrtulník HC 2 (VR-2) Heli Baby". Národní technické muzeum (in Czech). Archived from the original on 2018-09-30. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
  2. ^ Taylor, John William Ransom (1968). Helicopters and VTOL aircraft. Doubleday.
  3. ^ Beněs, Soukup & Sviták Letectví + Kosmonautika 1976. No. 9, p. 354.
  4. ^ Lambermont & Pirie 1970, p. 35.
  5. ^ Baur 1959, p. 64.
  6. ^ Bridgman & Taylor 1959, p. 112.
  7. ^ Flight International 27 May 1960, p. 714.
  8. ^ Flight International 15 May 1959, p. 22.
  9. ^ Taylor 1966, pp. 478–479.
  10. ^ Flight International 7 June 1962, p. 894.
  11. ^ Underwood 1961, p. 23.
  12. ^ a b c d e Letectví + Kosmonautika 1993 No. 22, p. 1483.
  13. ^ Beněs, Soukup & Sviták Letectví + Kosmonautika 1976. No. 12, pp. 474–475.
Bibliography
  • Baur, E. (January 1959). "A Visit to the Czechoslovak Aircraft Industry". Interavia. Vol. XIV, no. 1. pp. 63–66.
  • Beneš, Ladislav. (In Czech) Československé vrtulníky známé i neznámé. Votobia, 1998. ISBN 978-80-7198-326-2
  • Beněs, Ladislav; Soukup, Oldřich; Sviták, Pavel (1976). "Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů" [Helicopters of our Constructors]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 52, no. 9. pp. 354–355.
  • Beněs, Ladislav; Soukup, Oldřich; Sviták, Pavel (1976). "Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů" [Helicopters of our Constructors]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 52, no. 10. pp. 394–395.
  • Beněs, Ladislav; Soukup, Oldřich; Sviták, Pavel (1976). "Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů" [Helicopters of our Constructors]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 52, no. 11. pp. 434–435.
  • Beněs, Ladislav; Soukup, Oldřich; Sviták, Pavel (1976). "Vrtilníky Našich Konstruktérů" [Helicopters of our Constructors]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 52, no. 12. pp. 474–475.
  • Bridgman, Leonard; Taylor, John W. R. (1959). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1959-60. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd.
  • "Helicopters of the World". Flight International. Vol. 75, no. 2625. 15 May 1959. pp. 679–698.
  • "Helicopters of the World". Flight International. Vol. 77, no. 2672. 27 May 1960. pp. 711–718, 725–730.
  • Lambermont, Paul; Pirie, Anthony (1970). Helicopters & Autogyros of the World (Second ed.). London: Cassell & Company Ltd. ISBN 0-304-93390-2.
  • "Se Značou Zlin: Zlin HC-2/HC-102 Heli Baby" [With the Zlin Badge: Zlin HC-2/HC-102 Heli Baby]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 69, no. 22. 1993. p. 1483. ISSN 0024-1156.
  • Taylor, John W. R. (1966). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1966–67. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd.
  • Volejník, Jiří (1993). "Se značou ZLIN..." [With the Zlin Badge]. Letectví + Kosmonautika (in Czech). Vol. 69, no. 4. pp. 61–62. ISSN 0024-1156.
  • "VTOL: A "Flight International" Survey". Flight International. Vol. 81, no. 2778. 7 June 1962. pp. 891–909.
  • Underwood, John W., ed. (1961). World Aircraft Illustrated. Los Angeles: Aero Publishers.