The LAE Ultrasport 496T is a Cypriot helicopter that was produced by LAE Helicopters Cyprus of Larnaca. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied complete and ready-to-fly.[1]

Ultrasport 496T
Role Helicopter
National origin Cyprus
Manufacturer LAE Helicopters Cyprus
Status Production completed
Developed from American Sportscopter Ultrasport 496

The aircraft was reportedly in production in 2015, but by the end of 2017 production had ended in favour of the new LAE Piranha.[1]

Design and development

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The Ultrasport 496T is derived from the American Sportscopter Ultrasport 496, replacing the two-stroke powerplant with a turboshaft engine.[1]

The 496T was designed to comply with the European Class 6 microlight helicopter rules. It features a single main rotor and tail rotor, a two-seats-in side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit with a windshield, skid landing gear and a 160 hp (119 kW) Solar T62 turbine engine.[1]

The aircraft fuselage is made from composites. It has a two-bladed main and a ring-mounted tailrotor. The aircraft has a typical empty weight of 260 kg (573 lb) and a gross weight of 450 kg (992 lb), giving a useful load of 190 kg (419 lb).[1]

Reviewer Werner Pfaendler, noted that it has "an exceptional power to weight ratio".[1]

Specifications (Ultrasport 496T)

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Data from Tacke[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Empty weight: 260 kg (573 lb)
  • Gross weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Solar T62 turboshaft engine, 120 kW (160 hp)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 209. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X