I.P.D BF-1 Beija-Flor

The I.P.D BF-1 Beija-Flôr (English: Humming Bird) was a two-seat light helicopter designed by Henrich Focke.[1]

BF-1 Beija-Flôr
Role Light helicopter
National origin Brazil
Manufacturer IPD
Designer Henrich Focke
First flight 1 January 1959
Number built 3

Design and development

The BF-1 was built by the aircraft department of the Brazilian Research and Development Institute (IPD) (formerly the CTA - Centro Técnico Aeroespacial), using a design of Henrich Focke.[1] It was a conventional three-bladed single rotor helicopter, powered by a 225 hp (168 kW) Continental E225 piston engine, mounted in the nose.[1] The tail unit included a small vertical dorsal fin with a horizontal stabilizer on the starboard side. Two inter-meshing tail rotors, each inclined at 45°, provided pitch and yaw control.[2]

Operational history

Three prototypes were built, the first flying on 1 January 1959, but the type did not enter production.[3]

Specifications

Data from Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft,[1] Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1959–60[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Length: 8.43 m (27 ft 8 in)
  • Height: 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
  • Empty weight: 700 kg (1,543 lb)
  • Gross weight: 950 kg (2,094 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental E225 6-cyl air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 168 kW (225 hp)
  • Main rotor diameter: 9 m (29 ft 6 in)
  • Main rotor area: 63.625 m2 (684.85 sq ft) with 2 inter-meshing tail rotors each inclined at 45°

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 150 km/h (93 mph, 81 kn) at sea level
  • Cruise speed: 130 km/h (81 mph, 70 kn) for maximum range; 140 km/h (87 mph; 76 kn)
  • Range: 270 km (170 mi, 150 nmi) at 130 km/h (81 mph; 70 kn)
  • Endurance: 3 hours maximum
  • Service ceiling: 3,750 m (12,300 ft) maximum
  • Service ceiling: 3,500 m (11,500 ft)
  • Hover ceiling in ground effect: 2,700 m (8,900 ft)
  • Hover ceiling out of ground effect: 1,400 m (4,600 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 6.2 m/s (1,220 ft/min)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References
  1. The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Aircraft. London: Orbis Publications. p. 2195.
  2. Bridgman, Leonard, ed. (1959). Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1959–60. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co. Ltd. p. 8.
  3. Apostolo, Giorgio; Palmer, Valerie; Harris, S.M.; Rees, Elfan ap (1984). The illustrated encyclopedia of helicopters. New York: Bonanza Books. p. 121. ISBN 0-517-439352.


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