Shaanxi Baoji Hunting Eagle: Special Purpose Gyrocopter

47

Autogyro Hunting Eagle in a three-seat version. On an external sling - AR-2 missiles


The People's Liberation Army of China is armed with a variety of aviation equipment, incl. specific samples for solving special problems. So, for the army special forces, a few years ago, autogyros of the Hunting Eagle series were created. Such equipment entered service and is used for transporting and landing fighters, patrolling and reconnaissance, as well as for striking.



Equipment for special forces


Autogyros for the PLA and power structures of the PRC are designed and manufactured by Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing. Its main field of activity is light armored vehicles, but in the early 2014s, the company tried its hand at light aviation. The tasks set were successfully completed, and no later than 15-XNUMX. The company has mastered the production of new technology.

Almost simultaneously, several variants of the gyroplane under the general name Hunting Eagle (“Hunting Eagle”) went into the series. All of them were built on the basis of common solutions and components, but differed in basic flight and performance characteristics. Accordingly, operational capabilities also differed. In the future, the design of gyroplanes was finalized and improved.

In the middle of the decade, autogyros entered service with the PLA special forces. In parallel, they are purchased by law enforcement agencies. The first public demonstrations of such new products took place in 2015-16. In the future, the technique was repeatedly shown at open events. Photo and video materials from exercises and other events are also regularly published.


Pilot's seat

For example, over the past years, the Eagles have participated in army parades several times. Autogyros were shown both on carrier vehicles and in flight. The army demonstrated the flight and aerobatic characteristics of the equipment, and also revealed the possible target load.

Not so long ago, the Chinese TV channel CCTV7 showed a report from the Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing plant. A whole line of ready-made gyroplanes of all major modifications got into the frame. Demonstration flights of gyroplanes in different modes were also filmed. In addition, once again they showed a previously unknown version of the combat load.

Vehicle family


According to known data, the Hunting Eagle autogyro is built in two main modifications. They are as similar as possible to each other, and all the differences actually come down to the number of seats and payload. So, the first version of the car has two seats - a pilot and a passenger / operator, and the second modification is capable of carrying two passengers. In addition, secondary units, such as fairings, seats, etc., may change.

In terms of design, the Hunting Eagle is a typical modern autogyro and is similar in every way to other modern developments in this class. Close flight performance characteristics are also provided.


Rear "cabin" of a two-seat car

The autogyro is made on the basis of a light metal frame. In front of it, the pilot and passenger seats are placed in tandem. Behind the passengers is a main rotor column, and behind it is an engine with a pusher propeller. There is also a tail unit placed on a thin beam. Autogyros are equipped with a light casing that covers only the nose or forms a kind of fuselage. A three-point landing gear with a nose strut is provided. The machine was also tested on skis.

Based on available data, all Hunting Eagle gyroplanes are equipped with a Rotax boxer gasoline engine. It is equipped with a pusher propeller with three or four blades. The carrier system includes a two-bladed propeller. The sleeve of such a screw is equipped with controls. Rotor spinning is not provided.

In all modifications, the pilot is located in front of the machine. In its place, there are all the main controls and a full-fledged dashboard with the necessary set of devices. The configuration and equipment of the second seat/seats may vary. So, on a two-seater gyroplane, a second set of controls may be provided. In this case, instead of the dashboard, a liquid crystal screen is used. It is also possible to install devices for controlling special equipment or onboard weapons. In the three-seater configuration of the machine, two seats are placed side by side, which eliminates the possibility of installing controls.

Earlier it was reported that the maximum takeoff weight of gyroplanes is within 600 kg. Payload - up to 250 kg. In flight, the device develops speed up to 180-185 km/h. For takeoff and landing, a runway tens of meters long is required.


Double "Eagle" with ECO and ATGM

Combat capabilities


In the special forces of the PLA, Hunting Eagle gyroplanes solve a number of different tasks. They are primarily used as light air transport capable of carrying several people and/or small cargo. The possibility of parachute landing from such an aircraft was demonstrated.

The autogyro can be used for patrolling the area or reconnaissance of ground facilities. Previously, observation was carried out only visually or with the help of the simplest optical instruments. Recently they showed a gyroplane with an optical-electronic station under the nose cone. The control panel is located in the passenger seat. Judging by the size, such an OES does not have outstanding characteristics, but it also has obvious advantages over the pilot's eyes.

The Hunting Eagle can also perform strike missions. A few years ago, an autogyro with an AR-2 light air-to-ground missile was demonstrated. Such a product weighs only 20 kg, carries 5 kg of explosive and is equipped with a semi-active homing head. With its help, it is proposed to hit various ground targets at a distance of 8 km. The autogyro can carry two such missiles.

Recently they showed another version of missile weapons. On the sides of the autogyro, four containers with missiles from one of the existing anti-tank systems were hung in pairs. The new ECO is likely to be used to control the rocket. With such equipment and weapons, the Hunting Eagle can hit a wide range of ground targets, including Tanks, at distances up to several kilometers. At the same time, there is a fundamental possibility of integrating different missile systems.


If necessary, the crew may use personal weapon. Small arms can be used against ground targets. In the published photographs, special forces soldiers repeatedly posed with grenade launchers. However, the possibility of safe firing from such weapons in flight is questionable.

Subject of interest


The army and power structures of the PRC not only became interested in locally produced autogyros, but also brought them to full operation. Moreover, such equipment ended up in special forces, which are distinguished by special needs and an appropriate approach to the choice of materiel. This shows that autogyros also meet the requirements of special forces and are quite capable of being used in certain situations.

Probably, the interest from the PLA was facilitated by the presence of several important features in gyroplanes. Thus, Hunting Eagle products, regardless of the variant and configuration, are distinguished by their simplicity of design and production. Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing announces the possibility of producing at least 200 such vehicles annually. In addition, they are easy to operate and mastering them should not cause any problems.

With all the restrictions, the "Eagles" are a comfortable light transport with sufficiently high performance, capable of transporting people and goods. It can also be a platform for placing weapons or special equipment. The exact configuration of the machine is determined by the customer according to his needs.


Autogyros in parade formation

At the same time, any autogyro has limited flight characteristics. In addition, such a machine is not distinguished by stealth. In combat conditions, such equipment has insufficient survivability and stability. At the same time, both a simplified design and a crew that does not have any protection are exposed to risks.

For individual tasks


Thus, the Hunting Eagle gyroplane, like other equipment of this class, has various advantages and disadvantages. However, the competent use of such a technique allows you to realize all its strengths and reduce potential problems. Also, additional advantages appear when using an aircraft as a platform for additional funds.

Apparently, Chinese special forces and law enforcement agencies have carefully studied autogyros from their manufacturer and formed tactics and logic for the most effective use and operation of them. As a result, new unusual vehicles appeared at the disposal of the special forces, simplifying the solution of a number of combat and auxiliary tasks.
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47 comments
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  1. +6
    22 August 2022 16: 13
    To perform some tasks by special forces, it is a completely working unit.
  2. +4
    22 August 2022 16: 29
    For suicide, that's it.
    1. +2
      22 August 2022 16: 39
      Quote: Good
      For suicide, that's it.

      Did your psychoanalyst advise you?
      It's complicated. Well, only if you jump...
      Isn't it easier for a high-speed train?
    2. 0
      22 August 2022 17: 11
      For suicide, that's it.
      Maybe they send penalists from army aviation to them.
    3. +1
      22 August 2022 19: 21
      Quote: Good
      For suicide, that's it.

      Knowing the world-famous Chinese quality, it is impossible not to admit that you are right. Of course, if you have enough height, you can use a parachute, but their parachutes are also made in China, with the same world-famous quality.
      1. +1
        23 August 2022 09: 08
        The principle of autorotation, thanks to which the gyroplane flies, is clearly not known to you. Why write nonsense? You can commit suicide even on a bicycle, even on a scooter, some "talented" people manage to do it on foot and out of the blue.
        1. -1
          23 August 2022 09: 35
          This principle is exactly what I know. And if the rotor blade breaks off due to a fatigue crack, or thanks to a "high-quality" assembly, it separates along with the skew mechanism, how will this pepelats do autorotation?
          And there are really many ways of suicide, including very sophisticated ones. Read https://darwinawards.com, I'm sure it will amuse you.
          1. -2
            23 August 2022 12: 52
            And if the wing of an airplane breaks off or the tail falls off due to a fatigue crack, the wing of a hang glider breaks due to tissue destruction from solar radiation? There is only one way out, sit on the sofa and scribble all sorts of ifs on the Internet. Yes, and from frequent typing on the "clave" the keys can fall. You are afraid to fly, walk, then the main rotor will definitely not break due to the absence of it.
            1. 0
              23 August 2022 18: 24
              However, I'd rather trust a Boeing built in America than anything built in China.
      2. +2
        23 August 2022 16: 31
        Knowing the world famous Chinese quality

        What's wrong with Chinese quality? The computer motherboard, HDD, vidyuha, power supply, monitor honestly worked for 10 years. Morally obsolete, but it's a pity to throw it away.
        A gyroplane is much better than a hang glider. The screw is more durable than the dome , easier to fold and store , easier to control the condition . Try to evaluate the strength and geometry of the dome, which has lain in the barn rolled up for the winter. And the integrity of the hollow blade has long been controlled by pumped air under low pressure.
        The price is the engine, the rest is a trifle, like a trike.
        Cheap flying motorcycle. If in vast Russia the population was richer, and the laws on flights were simpler, there would be no end to orders.
        1. 0
          23 August 2022 21: 16
          Quote: dauria
          Computer motherboard, HDD, vidyuha, power supply, monitor honestly worked for 10 years

          And I have all this either Taiwanese or Korean. Taiwan is, of course, also like China, but not at all the same China.
          1. 0
            24 August 2022 12: 27
            Taiwan is, of course, also like China, but not at all the same China.

            So what kind of soil from the moon did China bring? So everything is fine with the quality in China.
            1. 0
              24 August 2022 18: 50
              Quote: dauria
              soil from the moon which China brought

              Lunokhod crawled on the moon, and collected soil samples aside, where the "Moon", I don't remember offhand the number, did not burn the soil with engines. And then Luna brought them back. And that was when I was in elementary school. To lick a single copy with the brains of engineers and the hands of workers, each of which is a single copy itself, we knew how. And it happened that, let's say, emergency situations happened, well, at least the one with Marshal Nedelin. But to make high-quality serial production, if it is not an AK-47 (add its options), or something like that, even with military acceptance somehow it was not very good, and even about civilian products, even with the "Quality Mark", they said "everyone Soviet is different ... from the Western." The Chinese lagged behind the USSR for half a century, and then, I suspect, someone dragged copies of Soviet missile drawings to them, otherwise everything is very similar to the USSR. And this flying moped was not licked by anyone (well, except, maybe, the first, demonstration sample), they were made on the stream, and the quality, respectively, is the world-famous Chinese one. In general, I personally don’t want one, even if it’s for free, and put aside the issues of training, licensing, registration, and what else is needed for the legal operation of an ultra-light class aircraft. Somehow I haven’t got tired of living yet, and if you suddenly get bored, there are much simpler, more reliable, and painless ways to commit suicide.
        2. 0
          23 August 2022 23: 47
          oh dear, in the Union there were several brands of motorcycles, and now ZERO, and then flying equipment. We have so many Kulibins who assemble such devices manually, but here, like with many things, it’s only about prohibitions and the lack of desire to establish their own production for the population.
      3. The comment was deleted.
        1. 0
          23 August 2022 18: 25
          Is one bath not enough?
          1. The comment was deleted.
            1. 0
              23 August 2022 18: 36
              And this is Nazi propaganda.
      4. 0
        29 August 2022 18: 38
        The quality of Chinese products is enough to withstand the landing on Mars and roam
  3. +6
    22 August 2022 16: 55
    It's cheap and good, why not, you can do a few low active tasks and a very low cost for ground forces is already good.
    1. -1
      23 August 2022 09: 38
      And now, please, the same thing, but in Russian. Google translate, especially from Chinese, very often produces something meaningless or ambiguous.
      1. +1
        23 August 2022 15: 24
        that's why I'm sad and helpless, and that's why I can't express what I want to express. crying
        1. The comment was deleted.
          1. 0
            23 August 2022 18: 58
            Ha ha, although I do not know that he is Jewish, but after your introduction, I understand many of the functions of this forum, thank you very much. I don't judge Jews because I'm not a racist, but it seems to me that this man is too aggressive and that his Jewish reputation may have accumulated at the expense of such people.
  4. +1
    22 August 2022 17: 08
    Bad version of MH-6 Little Bird :))
    1. IVZ
      +2
      22 August 2022 20: 02
      Quote from DienBienPhu
      Bad version of MH-6 Little Bird

      What's bad? By what parameters? Quality? Something I have not heard about the abundance of air crashes in China. A very niche special-purpose helicopter and, most likely, a mass-produced gyroplane cannot be versions of each other, even in jest.
  5. +9
    22 August 2022 17: 36
    The Autogyro certainly has its own target niche.
    The Tensor 600X gyroplane, developed by the German company Fraundorfer Aeronautics.
    The minimum flight speed is 50 km/h, the cruising speed is up to 200 km/h, and the maximum altitude is 3000 meters. Power reserve at 185 km / h - about 600 km on aviation fuel or high-octane gasoline. 5 passengers.
    The Rotax 915iS engine allows you to take off from a 90-meter runway with a maximum take-off weight of 600 kg. For landing, a platform with a diameter of 20 m is enough.

    Just the PLA going their way...
    1. +1
      24 August 2022 13: 49
      The Tensor 600X only carries two people, driver and passenger, sitting in tandem.
  6. +10
    22 August 2022 18: 33
    Has a place to live. It can also help in civil matters, patrolling forests for example. Firefighters in Siberia.
  7. +2
    22 August 2022 18: 38
    It was once joked that the autogyro "successfully" combines the shortcomings of an airplane and a helicopter ... winked
    1. IVZ
      +3
      22 August 2022 19: 54
      Once they joked that the autogyro "successfully" combines the shortcomings of an airplane and a helicopter ... winked
      .
      But it has its own merits.
    2. 0
      22 August 2022 20: 19
      When you find out it's a flying ATV, you feel different again.
  8. IVZ
    +3
    22 August 2022 19: 58
    A niche, apparently, between UAVs and conventional manned aircraft. Cheapness, ease of piloting and maintenance will make the use of this locust widespread.
  9. -1
    22 August 2022 22: 55
    It's all nonsense. The autogyro loses completely to the trike, in all respects, especially in terms of cost.
    1. +1
      23 August 2022 09: 13
      Quote: Demon_is_ada
      The autogyro loses completely to the trike

      And the launches of ptur from a motorized hang glider can be used as gas rudders! fellow
    2. +4
      23 August 2022 09: 15
      The number of those who crashed on a gyroplane is an order of magnitude less than those who broke their necks on motorized hang gliders. The main rotor of an autogyro, during sharp maneuvering, does not collapse like the same hang glider or paraglider canopy. The gyroplane is safer than paragliders, hang gliders, airplanes and helicopters. They just need to be seriously dealt with and monitor the technical condition of the main rotor. For our GA, this is an indispensable vehicle, especially with a preliminary spin of the main rotor.
      1. 0
        23 August 2022 18: 46
        The statistics are not entirely correct, we have a lot of hang gliders, about five gyroplanes per country. Hang gliders are mostly amateurs and fly on sticks and cloth, the level of creation of a gyroplane and a hang glider differ by an order of magnitude. Moreover, it has long been with a semi-rigid wing.
  10. +2
    23 August 2022 09: 28
    It would be very useful in SVO. Especially for patrol and escort.
  11. 0
    23 August 2022 11: 33
    And what can this unit do in the rain?
  12. 0
    23 August 2022 11: 42
    Dangerous thing.
  13. -1
    23 August 2022 12: 36
    The Soviet Union used autogyros before and during the war.
  14. 0
    23 August 2022 12: 46
    Good enough for patrolling. And to hunt for the drug mafia. But for "shock tasks" it is somehow very sacrificial ... This bird is too vulnerable to fire from the ground
    1. +1
      23 August 2022 12: 57
      So no one in their right mind is going to send him to the "front" for attack. He has his own tasks, for example, sentinel functions, communications, delivery of small cargoes. The gyroplane is designed for this, it has never been an IL-2 or Ka-52. No one goes on the attack on bicycles.
      1. 0
        23 August 2022 21: 25
        Quote: 2112vda
        No one goes on the attack on bicycles.

        1. +1
          24 August 2022 09: 56
          Even more interesting:
      2. 0
        24 August 2022 09: 49
        2112vda
        So no one in their right mind is going to send him to the "front" for attack

        I found fault with what they wrote about "shock functions")). Not on bicycles, but on mopeds they go on the attack. That is why the Taliban turned out to be so effective because they quickly transferred their "infantry" on mopeds to where they needed to
  15. +2
    23 August 2022 13: 18
    Rotor spin-up is not provided.


    I immediately doubted that even home-made gyroplanes basically have a preliminary promotion, otherwise the take-off distance is much greater than with a preliminary promotion. Here is a factory product and without promotion?
    It's the same as "a soldier without a tag" (c). In the first and fourth photos, on the main rotor hub, you can see a horizontal gear, which is used for spinning, or will be used, otherwise its presence does not make sense. By the way, the preliminary promotion now happens like this:
    Electric - the electric motor spins the main rotor through the aforementioned gear (not visible in the photo)
    Hydraulic - a hydraulic motor (gear) at the top, a hydraulic pump at the bottom on the motor, connected by hoses (there is no hydraulic motor in the photo either)
    Mechanical - there are two types:
    With the help of a small engine installed upstairs, it is used very rarely.
    Direct drive system from the main engine (the oldest), weighs a lot, vibrates, etc.
    The system with a flexible shaft in the shell is one of the most common, it seems to be visible in the last photo. In addition, pay attention to the first photo, near the Engine Control Knob, there are some other levers. These are the levers for controlling the preliminary spin of the screw. So, there is either promotion or there will be, but all the conditions for it are present on the gyroplane.
  16. +1
    23 August 2022 20: 24
    In fact, people should realize that in the war across the Taiwan Strait. It's a choice between a 100 ton mobile freighter and 000 cheap, small flying cars.
  17. +1
    24 August 2022 13: 57
    The best gyroscope is the 5-seat Hawk 5 powered by a Rolls-Royce turboprop. Developed by Skyworks and sold by Yugoimport.
    This gyroplane has a reason to exist, it has the best performance in its category. It can be used for medical assistance, firefighters, police, border surveillance at a lower cost than a helicopter. The autogyro can be used for military purposes, but not for combat.

    https://www.yugoimport.com/en/proizvodi/hawk-5-five-seat-runway-independent
    1. 0
      16 October 2022 23: 19
      we have something...
      https://www.avtogyr.ru/produktsiya.html

      Empty weight: 460 kg
      Crew: 4 people.
      Max. takeoff weight: 800 kg
      Tank capacity: 40 l
      Blade brand: RUS
      Maximum speed: 180 km / h
      Cruising speed: 120 km / h
      Minimum speed: 60 km/h
      Power plant: Subaru (209 hp)
      Range of flight: 200 km

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