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PROVEN AIRFRAME AND ENGINE
1) The flight test programme was overseen by SAAF Colonel Des Barker, and carried out by
various test pilots. Des Barker is a world renowned military test pilot with extensive
knowledge of the Kudu.
2) The fleet has flown about 2 400 hours in total without any aircraft systems related accidents
or incidents. There have been some incidents caused by human factors. The aircraft and it's
systems systems are reliable.
3) Each new Angel is flown 25hours by a rated and qualified test pilot before being put into
service. The programme complies with South African CAA regulations.
4) There is only one known fatality associated with the Kudu airframe since being
commissioned in the 1970's, notwithstanding numerous accidents. The airframe structure is
strong!
5) In its previous life as a Kudu, it was powered by a 340 horse power flat-six piston engine and
could carry 1 pilot plus 7 passengers. It was also very noisy!
CAPABLE
6) With full tanks and 9 Jumpers, it weighs 2500kg. The maximum allowed is 2600kg. It can
carry a big load!
7) With full tanks it can fly for only about 2.5 hours. It can't fly very long distances!
8) It descends at 4 000 feet per minute at an airspeed of 135 knots. It will descend at a slower
rate if there are Cypreses on board.
9) The engine is a Walther 601 of 725 horsepower and is flat rated to only 550 horsepower.
Rugged Czech design requiring minimal maintenance.
WELL MAINTAINED
10) It gets a workshop check up every 50 hours. CAA doesn't require this, but it's a good idea -
we did it with NKU also.
11) It gets a Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) every 100 hours. This is not negotiable!
- John Gouws |
