Shaanxi Baoji Hunting Eagle: Special Purpose Gyrocopter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Dambiev.livejournal.com, CCTV7
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