Products
BLR delivers 200th Bell UH-1 rotor enhancement
June 3, 2011 By Carey Fredericks
June 3, 2011, Everett, Wash. - BLR Aerospace, the well-known developer of innovative performance modifications for helicopters and business aircraft, recently delivered its 200th FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for a Bell UH-1H helicopter.
More than one-third of the certificated UH-1 fleet has been modified with FastFin, making it one of the company’s top-selling products, according to Dave Marone, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BLR. “The market has responded positively to the improvements in directional control and useful load (up to 78%),” Marone said. “With FastFin installed, operators are able to safely hold a hover at high altitudes and high temperatures that were unmanageable before FastFin.” FastFin also reduces airframe and pilot fatigue, among other benefits.
Detailed performance charts for the UH-1 with FastFin are available from BLR Aerospace at (425) 405-4860 or fastfin@BLRaerospace.com. The patented FastFin System modifies the tailboom with two parallel stall strips (Dual Tailboom Strakes) and a re-shaped vertical fin, optimizing airflow around the tailboom for improved handling.
“BLR is proud to reach this important milestone, but we expect to increase this number many times over,” said Marone. “FastFin’s performance benefits make the system a must-have for safety-conscious UH-1 operators looking to maximize the return on their airframe investment.” A qualified A&P mechanic can complete installation in just a few days with a low-cost kit containing all needed parts, and the system’s operating advantages quickly return the initial investment and increases hull value for resale.
In addition to the UH-1H, the FAA also certified FastFin for Bell 412 helicopters in 2010, with some operators approaching a near doubling of the rotorcraft’s standard lift capability. The system has been so successful that Bell Helicopter has incorporated FastFin in all newly manufactured 412EP models. BLR has over 700 systems worldwide installed on Bell 204, 205, 206, 212, 412, Huey II and most UH-1 derivatives.
