Atlas Alpha XH-1 - Definition


Atlas Alpha XH-1 - Definition

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Alpha XH-1

The Alpha XH-1 was a prototype attack helicopter built by Atlas Aviation (now Denel Aviation) of South Africa, which used it as a concept demonstrator for the then-planned Rooivalk project.

It was developed from an Alouette III airframe, retaining that helicopter's engine and dynamic components, but replacing the original cockpit with a stepped tandem one, adding a 20mm cannon on the nose and converting the undercarriage to tail-dragger configuration.

The XH-1 first flew on 3 February 1985, and soon embarked on a rigorous flight test program to examine the feasibility of a dedicated attack helicopter in southern African conditions. The results were ultimately good enough to convince Atlas and the South African Air Force to go ahead with the development of a dedicated attack helicopter - the Rooivalk. It should be noted however that the XH-1 and Rooivalk are completely different aircraft and share no components (the Rooivalk was developed from the later XH-2 prototype).

The sole XH-1 was retired sometime in the late 1980s and was handed over to the South African Air Force Museum, where it remains to this day.

Specifications (XH-1)

General Characteristics

Crew: two, pilot and gunner
Fuselage length: 10.56 m (34.64 ft)
Main rotor diameter: 11.02 m (36.15 ft)
Height: 2.73 m (8.6 ft)
Main rotor area: m² ( ft²)
Empty: 1,400 kg (3,086 lb)
Loaded: kg ( lb)
Maximum takeoff: 2,200kg (4,850 lb)
Powerplant: 1 x Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turboshaft, 410 kW (550 shp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Range: 550 km (344 miles)
Service ceiling: m ( ft)
Rate of climb: m/min ( ft/min)
Main rotor loading: kg/m² ( lb/ft²)
Power/Mass: kW/kg ( hp/lb)

Armament

1x Vektor GA-1 Rattler cannon in a chin turret with 1000 rounds

Specifications (XH-1)

General Characteristics

Performance

Armament

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