Cardoen Bell 206 L-III aa derivative made in Chile
In 1984, Carlos Cardoen, a daring engineer and entrepreneur, ordered a three-month engineering report from Aeronautical Engineer René M González, which would study the feasibility of modifying a helicopter for civilian use for military use. On that occasion it was the German device MBB BO-105.
Helicopter MBB BO-105
Preliminary studies and aerodynamic evaluation.
Not having an adequate wind tunnel to carry out the preliminary studies, Engineer González and his team built scale models and made simulations that allowed a qualitative study and comparison of the original aircraft with the two possible options for modifying the BO-105 (single-seater and two-seater).
Mounting the three models on a suitable support and advancing at an appropriate speed in a truck was possible through a device in each model, determining which opposed more resistance to flow (aerodynamic drag).
These results were included in the feasibility report delivered to C. Cardoen.
FIDA 1986, March; El Bosque Air Base; Santiago, Chile.
During FIDA '86 the stand of Industrias Cardoen, as was customary at that time, was among the most attractive of the fair. The attack helicopter mock-up based on the BO-105 was presented on this occasion, being one of the references of the exhibition. After FIDA '86 different publications, such as those shown below, referred to the project as an excellent option for developing countries.
The modification left the aircraft with a remarkably different profile, turning it into a single-seater and adding an armament wing that, in certain flight attitudes, improved the aerodynamic performance. Pilot protection increased markedly as vulnerability to ground attack also decreased. The back of the fuselage was also intervened.
It also included a Lucas turret.
This helicopter, if developed, would have been an excellent option for the Chilean army or others from Latin America and the third world.
However, and due, in large part, to the political situation in Chile at the time, representatives in FIDA '86 of the German company MBB that manufactured the BO-105 strongly opposed authorizing the modification after seeing it on display. So unfortunately this first intention did not prosper beyond the stage of Mock-Up.
FIDA 1986, March; El Bosque Air Base; Santiago, Chile.
During FIDA '86 the stand of Industrias Cardoen, as was customary at that time, was among the most attractive of the fair. The attack helicopter mock-up based on the BO-105 was presented on this occasion, being one of the references of the exhibition. After FIDA '86 different publications, such as those shown below, referred to the project as an excellent option for developing countries.
The modification left the aircraft with a remarkably different profile, turning it into a single-seater and adding an armament wing that, in certain flight attitudes, improved the aerodynamic performance. Pilot protection increased markedly as vulnerability to ground attack also decreased. The back of the fuselage was also intervened.
It also included a Lucas turret.
This helicopter, if developed, would have been an excellent option for the Chilean army or others from Latin America and the third world.
However, and due, in large part, to the political situation in Chile at the time, representatives in FIDA '86 of the German company MBB that manufactured the BO-105 strongly opposed authorizing the modification after seeing it on display. So unfortunately this first intention did not prosper beyond the stage of Mock-Up. New Alternative:
Cardoen - Bell 206 L-III.
After the refusal of MBB, the BO-105 is discarded as a platform and a new aircraft is being redesigned: the Bell Bell Long Ranger 206 L-III.
Keeping in the beginning the intention of building an attack helicopter (antitank) begins in 1987 a work in conjunction with Bell Helicopter Textron, holding meetings in USA and Canada and arriving at the drafting of a preliminary design report in which they presented monographs of the proposal.
As in the case of the BO-105, a structural modification was considered that converted the helicopter into a single-seater.
here is its initial mock up and studies
Tests with Norinco Chinese Missile "Red Arrow"
In September of 1988 the RM Gonzalez holds in Beijing meetings with engineers from the company NORINCO (China North Industries Corp.) manufacturer of the missile Red Arrow responding to his offer to incorporate it into the helicopter in his attack helicopter version.
Upon his arrival in China, González was aware of the structural infeasibility of the prototype to be equipped with such weapons and the attack version would be discarded in favor of a multipurpose ship.
However, NORINCO had already shipped the missile to Chile to carry out tests on the structural specimen. These tests only confirmed that the ship could not be an attack helo with heavy weapons.
The red arrow missile with only a third of its charge considerably deformed the rear fuselage of the structural specimen as can be seen in these photographs.
The option of such a weapon would have been compatible with the structural characteristics of the design based on the BO-105.
source
http://chileanhelicopter.blogspot.com/