Aircraft :: The Grand Adventure :: Round the World Helicopter Record 2008

N1US is made by AgustaWestland, and was built near Milan, Italy. The model name, Grand, and model number, 109S, designate that it is a civilian-type aircraft. The Grand is only one version of the extensive and diverse line of AgustaWestland aircraft which serve private, commercial, government, and military operations.

The 109S is a twin-engine helicopter, designed for commercial and private aviation use. N1US is serial number 40 of the Grand line, outfitted with the factory-standard two-pilot cockpit and five passenger executive configuration. The helicopter has all standard factory avionics and has not been retrofitted for adventure or long-distance missions.

DIMENSIONS

Length (rotors turning)	12.96m	42.50ft
Height (top of tail fin)	3.44m	11.25ft
Width (main rotor blade at 45°	7.76m	25.50ft
Main rotor clearance (rotor turning, controls in nuetral position)	2.45m	8.00ft
Tail rotor clearance (rotor turning)	1.0m	3.25ft



PROPULSION

Powerplant	(2) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C Turboshaft with FADEC



ENGINE RATING

AEO take off power (5 min)	2 x 548kW	2 x 735 shp
AEO maximum continuous power	2 x 466 kW	2 x 625 shp
OEI 2.5 min contingency power	608kW	815 shp
OEI maximum continuous power	548kW	735 shp



WEIGHT

Basic empty weight	1655 kg	3649 lb
Max gross weight (internal loads)	3175kg	7000 lb
Max gross weight (external loads)	3200 kg	7055 lb




CAPACITY

Flight crew	1 - 2
Passenger seating	up to 6
Baggage compartment	2.30 m long	120 cu ft

The Bell 430 aircraft currently holds the record of just over 17 days. Comparing the aircraft statistics side by side, the advantages after market modification brings to an attempt at the record become clear. It is with this pioneering spirit that pilots Scott Kasprowicz and Steve Sheik are choosing to attempt the record with their aircraft as outfitted straight from the factory.

Bell 430		Agusta Grand

FUEL CAPACITY

Bower's Bell 430 was outfitted with an extra 105-gal tank and was skid equipped to allow fuel to be carried in the sponsons for a total fuel load of approximately 400 gallons.		The Grand Adventure aircraft will have no customized auxiliary fuel storage and will carry no extra fuel.

MODIFICATIONS

The Bower aircraft was modified to incorporate non-factory standard specialized mission equipment including a flight accessible crew rest bunk which allowed the pilots to sleep en route.		There will be no alterations to the Grand Adventure aircraft to accommodate special pilot needs associated with endurance flying.

OPERATING WEIGHT

The Bower's aircraft operated 300 pounds above its certified maximum gross weight under special provision from Bell Helicopter Textron. At 9,300 lbs it came in almost 2,300 lbs heavier than the Grand Adventure's standard weight Agusta 109 Grand.		The Grand Adventure aircraft will be operating below its certified gross weight.

PROPULSION

Bower's Bell was powered by two FADEC-controlled Allison 250-C40 turbo-shaft engines producing 1,494 shaft horsepower for take-off, with a range in excess of 500 miles and an average cruising speed of 230 km/h allowing the team to average 1,262 nm per day.		The Grand Adventure's Agusta 109 Grand comes from the factory with a 213 gallon capacity and will remain unmodified. The two Pratt & Whitney PW207C engines provide 1,470 shaft horsepower for take-off with a maximum cruising speed of 287 km/h and a range of about 400 nm.

AIRCREW

Bell Helicopters supplied a factory pilot to serve as a crew member.		The Grand Adventure aircraft will be piloted by two experienced private aviators.

Ambitious hopes for new record.
In spite of a marked fuel disadvantage the Grand Adventure team hopes to not only break the record but do so in such a manner as to make future attempts unlikely.

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Weekly progress reports until launch and daily postcards during the record

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Weekly progress reports until launch and daily postcards during the record