Vertical Aviation Technologies at Sanford, Florida built its first Hummingbird helicopter in 1991 by converting an original Sikorsky S-52-3. The subsequent Hummingbird 260L was powered by a Lycoming IVO-435 engine (265 hp) and the new 300L uses a General Motors LS7 V-8 automotive conversion engine (325 hp). The aircraft is supplied as a kit.
In 2016 began the developement of the S-52L which maintains same airframe, rotor system, transmission and powerplant but with new tail surfaces, fuel system, electrical, instrumentation, interior and flight controls. Powered by a Continental (Titan) 6-cylinder 300 hp UI-540 derated to 245 hp.
As of 2020, around 25 helicopters of all the variants have been built
In 2016 began the developement of the S-52L which maintains same airframe, rotor system, transmission and powerplant but with new tail surfaces, fuel system, electrical, instrumentation, interior and flight controls. Powered by a Continental (Titan) 6-cylinder 300 hp UI-540 derated to 245 hp.
As of 2020, around 25 helicopters of all the variants have been built
Hummingbird News |
First Hummingbird 300L with YH10-540-Exp373 Engine
15-Jul-23 - A Vertical Aviation Technologies Hummingbird 300L helicopter, equipped with its purpose-built YH10-540-Exp373 Thunderbolt engine, will be featured at the 2023 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held from July 24-30 #Hummingbird List of Operators of Hummingbird |
Construction Numbers |
| C/N | Built as | Year | History | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52-014 | HO5S-1 | 1952 |  125521,G-BVBD,N4643S | |
| 52-046 | HO5S-1 | 1952 | 128616,G-BVBO,N9329R | |
