VHA Offers Aftermarket 206 Tail Rotor Blade
“Our 206 tail rotor blade incorporates an advanced NASA-developed airfoil and shaped tip,” said VHA president James Van Horn. “The combination of the thinner airfoil and shaped tip result in a 40% reduction in the helicopter’s overall sound exposure level according to FAA-mandated noise emission tests conducted by an independent company in May. During flight testing we also noticed significantly reduced pedal forces as compared to the OEM blade.”
The VHA 206 tail rotor blade features a carbon fiber skin, titanium root fitting, electroformed nickel abrasion strip, and stainless steel spheres in the pitch change bearings.
“We anticipate fewer bearing replacements compared to the OEM blade,” said Van Horn. “The use of lightweight composites results in a 15% reduction in centrifugal force, which reduces loads and extends the life of the pitch change bearings.”
VHA received STC certification on its 206 tail rotor blade in August and PMA certification earlier this month. List pricing for VHA’s 206 tail rotor blade is $9,000 per blade.
About Van Horn Aviation
Based in Tempe, Ariz., Van Horn Aviation specializes in the design, certification and manufacturing of aftermarket dynamic components for various rotorcraft. In addition to the 206 tail rotor blade, VHA also designed, certified, and sells an aftermarket carbon tail rotor blade for various models of the UH-1 Huey.
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