View Full Version : Turbine Predator on floats
I've just received the following from a customer in Northern Ireland, and wanted to share it with everybody.
"Hi Sara
Had a ball on Saturday with the Predator on floats at a splash-in organised
by Dungannon MFC. Have a look at www.kestrelsmfc.co.uk/events.htm
One float was overheating from the jet exhaust, fixed it with bullet tape
after that flight. Low passes - with the wake in the water from the
downdraft
- were superb.
Best regards
Gordon"
I'm adding the pic from the link above to my "Would you believe it?" collection!
Sara Parish
Wren Turbines
cyclone
04-03-2006, 08:48 AM
I'm adding the pic from the link above to my "Would you believe it?" collection!
Where do you keep that collection Sara?
I have them in a file on my computer, and some prints in the "Picture Gallery " which is always on the booth at shows. We will soon have a completely re-designed website and I'm going to ask for a special page on there, too.
Regards
Sara
cyclone
04-03-2006, 10:07 AM
Is it really a first ?
cbergen
04-03-2006, 10:17 AM
Pretty cool!!
It's certainly the first Wren turbine helicopter on floats, and may be the first-ever turbine helicopter to have floats. I think it's a brave thing to do and it shows a lot of faith in our engine, as I believe a flameout and auto-rotation could end with a very wet helicopter.
Has anyone done this before? Perhaps anyone with pics of an earlier one could post them
Sara
Wren Turbines
cbergen
04-03-2006, 12:58 PM
As long as the heli floats with them, no problem on doing an auto to the water. Just flare as normal to set it down soft.
1275mini
04-03-2006, 01:02 PM
Sara,
You will have to hire a big swimming pool for the next open day :mrgreen: I will remember to bring the main blades with me then !
cyclone
04-04-2006, 05:02 AM
I'd highly recommend some float flying to those who haven't tried it yet, skimming up the lake just inches from the surface with the wake created by the rotor downwash following in hot pursuit - it's incredible!
Look for a lake - the swimming pool just won't have the same buzz!
cyclone
04-06-2006, 03:56 AM
They did make me land on the water....... :roll:
WillJames
04-07-2006, 04:09 AM
Cool, thanks for sharing!!
cyclone
04-07-2006, 07:09 AM
First bit of video at
www.kestrelsmfc.co.uk/images/wrenonfloats.mpg
exile
04-20-2006, 01:26 PM
Loved the video,anymore info on the helicopter.
cyclone
04-24-2006, 08:16 AM
It's a Century Predator Max 90 with a few modifications here and there. Bags of power from a Wren MW54 and a free turbine with gearbox. I have replaced the floats since the photographs were taken, now using slightly larger Helimax floats.
Great fun over land and water!