Mi-2 gets Ex-Ex Airworthiness
Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:36 pm
The first of the Cold War Air Museum's Mi-2s got its experimental airworthiness certificate issued today. Two more are very close behind it.
This makes it the only Mi-2 on permanent public display in the western hemisphere.
We're going to try and get the Phase I fly-off done quickly (like in one day
and make it to the CenTex airshow.
The Mi-24s have been started and one has hovered... they're only a few months away. It's going to be a busy summer!
This makes it the only Mi-2 on permanent public display in the western hemisphere.
We're going to try and get the Phase I fly-off done quickly (like in one day
and make it to the CenTex airshow.
The Mi-24s have been started and one has hovered... they're only a few months away. It's going to be a busy summer!
well done....
Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:44 pm
...that is a lot of work accomplished especially considering what you are trying to get in the air!
Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:53 pm
Thats great news!
When the Mi-24's are done and certified are they going to be travelling to shows around the US? I was also wondering how far along your Mig-23 is and if it will fly?
When the Mi-24's are done and certified are they going to be travelling to shows around the US? I was also wondering how far along your Mig-23 is and if it will fly?
Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:53 pm
If y'all get a chance, I'd highly recommend going to see these helicopters in action. I kick myself now, but during my last inspection for the CAF, on the DFW Wing's R4D, I wanted badly to go check the helicopters and the Cold War Air Museum out, but I just got in a hurry and didn't do it. I haven't been much of a helicopter guy in the past, but I think it's really cool what the folks at this museum are doing.
Gary
Gary
Mi-24s
Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:50 pm
Our first Mi-24 hovered almost two years ago, but the hydraulic hoses just couldn't be trusted. This was confirmed last June when we had it out for Lone Star Red Star and it busted a hose on the ground just being run up. New hoses had been elusive because the one place where you can get new hoses, a military plant in the Ukraine, has been in something of a vegetative coma for some time now.
But... just last month, we got all new hoses. Fuel, hydraulic, oil, everything. 120 hoses in all, enough for both Mi-24s. The cost was not pretty, but the hoses sure were -- brand new braided stainless hoses that were all made (even the fuel hoses) for 3500psi... we wanted them to last FOREVER. Anything worth doing, is worth over-doing, that's what I say.
Pleasant surprise #2 was when we got the transmission un-stuck on the second Mi-24 (the planetary gear system inside was basically just lacquered up from sitting): a) the APU and both engines woke up from hibernation and worked perfectly on the first try; b) after running for a bit, everything turns so smoothly that a little kid can move the main rotor system. Frankly, it was amazing.
We have enough spare parts and blades in excellent condition plus a new contact in Eastern Europe who can get us *anything* because he has all the right contacts and export licenses... that both are sure to get in the air in the next few months.
I think we're working toward fielding them as a team at airshows the way the Soviets used them. One 12-ton armor-plated 200 mph Hind is cool but two at once would be stupefyingly awesome. So the short answer is, yes, look for a PAIR of them to be coming to an airshow near you, uh, Real Soon Now.
But... just last month, we got all new hoses. Fuel, hydraulic, oil, everything. 120 hoses in all, enough for both Mi-24s. The cost was not pretty, but the hoses sure were -- brand new braided stainless hoses that were all made (even the fuel hoses) for 3500psi... we wanted them to last FOREVER. Anything worth doing, is worth over-doing, that's what I say.
Pleasant surprise #2 was when we got the transmission un-stuck on the second Mi-24 (the planetary gear system inside was basically just lacquered up from sitting): a) the APU and both engines woke up from hibernation and worked perfectly on the first try; b) after running for a bit, everything turns so smoothly that a little kid can move the main rotor system. Frankly, it was amazing.
We have enough spare parts and blades in excellent condition plus a new contact in Eastern Europe who can get us *anything* because he has all the right contacts and export licenses... that both are sure to get in the air in the next few months.
I think we're working toward fielding them as a team at airshows the way the Soviets used them. One 12-ton armor-plated 200 mph Hind is cool but two at once would be stupefyingly awesome. So the short answer is, yes, look for a PAIR of them to be coming to an airshow near you, uh, Real Soon Now.
mig-23
Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:02 am
The MiG-23 is together and probably ready to be tested, but since we haven't had an expert engine or electrical guy look at it, nobody has the balls to press the "запуск" (start) button.
I've got a guy who can make it all better but he's tied up for the next couple of months.
I am not taking bets at this point... but the magic eight-ball says "signs look good".
I've got a guy who can make it all better but he's tied up for the next couple of months.
I am not taking bets at this point... but the magic eight-ball says "signs look good".
Re: mig-23
Sat Apr 11, 2009 4:20 am
jonboede wrote:but since we haven't had an expert engine or electrical guy look at it, nobody has the balls to press the "запуск" (start) button.
I'd do it :p I check out the museum blog every day. Really nice work you guys do!
Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:02 am
Great news and congratulations Jon & Team. I know you guys have been working hard for the last couple of years for this first payoff point. I hope to be able to attend September's Cockpit Day and congratulate you guys in person or maybe sometime before then.