TEMPE, AZ – Composite aftermarket rotor blade manufacturer Van Horn Aviation completed a ground run of its newly-developed tail rotor assembly for the Airbus Helicopters H125, previously known as the AS350.
The new system features two individually-replaceable composite tail rotor blades attached to a VHA-designed titanium hub using self-lubricating spherical bearings.
Since VHA’s H125/AS350 tail rotor blades use the same NASA-designed laminar airfoil as the company’s popular 206 series tail rotor blades, VHA engineers expect a similar increase in performance and decrease in overall noise signature compared to OEM blades.
“We’re excited about bringing the performance improvements that VHA is known for to the venerable AS350,” said VHA CEO James Van Horn. “We expect that our tail rotor blades will provide greater tail rotor authority, plus increased safety during a hydraulics failure.”
Van Horn Aviation is working with Piranha Aerospace Solutions, a membership-based helicopter parts distributor, to launch the product with its members.
“In addition to the expected performance improvements, the VHA tail rotor system design also addresses several maintenance pain points for operators,” said Piranha Principal of Sales John Holland. “The elimination of the underperforming half laminated bearings and the use of individually-replaceable blades stands to save our members thousands of dollars in direct maintenance costs while also increasing aircraft availability.”
Flight testing will begin this summer with FAA certification estimated in 2022.
About Van Horn Aviation: Based in Tempe, Arizona, Van Horn Aviation (VHA) specializes in the design, certification and manufacturing of aftermarket composite rotor blades for various rotorcraft. Current STC/PMA products include main rotor blades for the 206B JetRanger and 206L LongRanger, and tail rotor blades for the 206B/L/OH-58 and various models of UH-1.
About Piranha Aerospace Solutions: Piranha is a private Membership-based distributor for helicopter spare parts and services. Focusing exclusively on its Members’ needs, Piranha customizes its product and service offerings to provide a concierge aftermarket solution for major helicopter operators.
H125 / AS350 Tail Rotor System
Van Horn Aviation (VHA) announces development of new tail rotor assembly for the Airbus H125 / AS350 helicopter with no aircraft modifications required. FAA certification estimated in 2022
Hopefully this new tail rotor will not only eliminate the costly laminated half shell bearings and lower the DOC's for the 350 operator but have some increased performance. Will it address all models of the 350 - the BA, B2 and B3?
So… now we have a chance to use the power increase on the H125 🤣