Vortech Meg-2XH Strap-On

The Vortech Meg-2XH Strap-On is an American helicopter that was designed and produced by Vortech of Fallston, Maryland. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied as a kit and also in the form of plans for amateur construction. Vortech also supplied rotor blades for the design.[1]

Meg-2XH Strap-On
Role Helicopter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Vortech
Status Plans and kits no longer available (1998)
Number built 3 (1998)
Unit cost
US$7,995 (kit, 1998)

While listed as available early in 1998, by the end of that year the aircraft was no longer listed on the Vortech website.[1][2]

Design and development

The Meg-2XH Strap-On was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 120 lb (54 kg). It features a single main rotor, a single fold-up seat and a rudder. The aircraft is supported by a partial frame when on the ground, but take-off and landing are both accomplished by foot and the aircraft is worn like a backpack, hence the name. The helicopter was designed to be powered by a single jet engine producing 37 hp (28 kW).[1]

The aircraft fuselage frame is made from bolted-together aluminum tubing and has a 21 ft (6.4 m) diameter two-bladed rotor. The aircraft has an empty weight of 120 lb (54 kg) and a gross weight of 400 lb (181 kg), giving a useful load of 280 lb (127 kg). With full fuel of 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) the maximum pilot weight is 250 lb (113 kg).[1]

The 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) fuel capacity gives the aircraft a range of 35 mi (56 km). It has a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a cruise speed of 63 mph (101 km/h).[1]

The manufacturer estimated the construction time from the supplied bolt-together assembly kit as 30 hours.[1]

Operational history

By 1998 the company reported that three kits had been sold, were completed and flying.[1] It is unlikely that any exist anymore.

Specifications (Meg-2XH Strap-On)

Data from Purdy[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
  • Empty weight: 120 lb (54 kg)
  • Gross weight: 400 lb (181 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × jet engine , 37 shp (28 kW)
  • Main rotor diameter: 21 ft 0 in (6.40 m)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 75 mph (121 km/h, 65 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 63 mph (101 km/h, 55 kn)
  • Range: 35 mi (56 km, 30 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 12,500 ft (3,800 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)
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See also

References
  1. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 334. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
  2. Vortech. "The World of Homebuilt Helicopters". Archived from the original on 5 December 1998. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
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