Ukrainian company Softex-Aero has unveiled its next-generation VV-2 high-speed helicopter at the Iran Air Show , held in Kish Island in the Persian Gulf from 16-19 November.
The VV-2 is a high-speed, single-engine, two seat (tandem) helicopter. It is designed for either piloted or unmanned flight. VV-2 is equipped with modern navigation instrumentation, including autopilot. This fact allows to access necessary information in any time.
VV-2 is a two-seat attack helicopter which adopts the same tandem design for the crew than other famous platforms such as the American AH-64 or the French Tiger combat choppers. According to Softex Aero, the pilot would be behind et and the weapons operator would seat in the front.
However, with a maximum take-off weight of 1,100 kg, the VV-2 would fly in a completely different weight category than the platforms mentioned here above. With a length of 8 m, a rotor diameter of 8,5 m and a height of 2,2 m, the VV-2 is nearly two times smaller than the Apache. The main and tail rotors will be composed of composite materials.
The VV-2 will be powered by a single TS 100 ZA turboshaft engine offering an output of 190hp in cruise conditions and 245hp for an urgent take-off. The engine is manufactured by the Czech company PBS Velká Bíteš. With this configuration, the VV-2 could reach a maximum cruise speed of 240km/h and a rate of climb of 9 m/s. It has an operational range of 500km and a ceiling of 4,000 m.
The possibility for installation of any equipment on customer’s desire. The precise analysis of every element of control panel, even location and luminance of signal indicators, will be carried for these purposes. This provides pilot with the most significant information, not diverting him from the flight.
According to Softex Aero, an unmmaned variant is considered to perform ISR or/and combat missions.
