Soong CSC 117
| CSC 117 | |
|---|---|
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| |
Role
|
Utility/transport |
National origin
|
Monsilva |
Manufacturer
|
Soong Aerospace Company |
First flight
|
13 June 1979 |
Introduction
|
9 December 1982 |
Status
|
in production, in active service |
Primary users
|
Monsilvan Army Monsilvan Federal Police Force |
Produced
|
1979–present |
The Soong CSC 117 is a twin-engined light utility-transport helicopter. It was developed and manufactured by Soong Aerospace Company of Monsilva. Assisted by the Monsilvan Steel Corporation, a prototype of the Soong CSC 117 was completed by June 1979 and its maiden flight was conducted over southern Donguan. The CSC 117 has proven to be popular for passenger services and VIP-transport, the cabin can be outfitted with various seating configurations, seating between seven and ten passengers. It is also used for a diverse range of operations, such as aerial crane and sling work, law enforcement, military transport, and is exceptional as an air ambulance and search and rescue platform.
Design
The Soong CSC 117 possesses several attributes that lend itself to many different roles, such as twin-engine redundancy, sizable clamshell-shaped rear-facing double doors, and a relatively spacious cabin; one mission to which it was deemed to be particularly suitable was the emergency medical services and coastguard. The airfram is composed of riveted metal designed by the MSC, making use of composite materials and machined to a high standard; in order to free up internal space, both the engines and transmissioned are positioned above the main cabin. Considerable efforts were made to reduce the weight of the aircraft where possible albeit without compromising the aircraft's structural integrity. The cabin could be outfitted with various interiors in order to suit its purpose, or to incorporate greater comfort levels, which included measures to dampen both noise and vibration.
Early versions of the CSC 117 were powered by a pair of turboshaft engines, rate to generate 500 shp at takeoff with considerable reserve power to guard against a single engine failuter. While each engine possesses sufficient power to maintain flight and even takeoff in the event of a single engine being rendered inoperable, the type also has favourable autorotation capabilities. In order to extend their operation lifespan and increase their reliability, Soong tuned the engines to operate at a lower-than-standard RPM. The engines are regulated using a specialized control system which smoothly and evenly regulate RPM and torque between both engines, even during vigorous manoeuvres. Power management has been greatly eased via the addition of an automatic engine-governor system, allowing pilots to simply monitor the torque and engine temperature guages. The aircraft can be suitably equipped for flight under IFR as well as for single-pilot operations.
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: up to 10 passengers
- Length: 9.91 m (32 ft 6 in) (fuselage length)
- Height: 3.85 m (12 ft 8 in) (rotors turning)
- Empty weight: 1,727 kg (3,807 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 3,350 kg (7,385 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 697 L (183 US Gallons, 153 Imp Gallons) internal fuel
- Main rotor diameter: 11.00 m (36 ft 1 in)
- Main rotor area: 95.03 m2 (1,022.9 sq ft)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 250 km/h (160 mph, 130 kn) at sea level
- Never exceed speed: 278 km/h (173 mph, 150 kn)
- Range: 541 km (336 mi, 292 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 4,575 m (15,010 ft) (max certified altitude)
- Hover Ceiling: 3,565 m (11,700 ft) (in ground effect)
- Rate of climb: 11.00 m/s (2,165 ft/min)
