U.S. State Department Flies Huey IIs with BLR FastFin System in Afghanistan for Improved Hot, High Performance
The U.S. State Department has installed BLR Aerospace FastFin tail rotor enhancement and stability systems on 10 Bell HUEY-II helicopters operating in Afghanistan.
“These helicopters are flying important missions in the harshest, most challenging operating environment imaginable,” said Dave Marone, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BLR. “BLR Aerospace is proud of the contributions our products are making to those who are protecting freedom and fighting the good fight.”
The State Department installed the FastFin Systems in August 2008 to “expand our operational capabilities,” according to a State Department, Office of Aviation officer.
The FastFin System is designed to help armed State Department helicopters fly more effectively with greater payloads at high density altitudes, making it an ideal enhancement for aircraft operating in hot, mountainous Afghanistan.
The FastFin tail rotor enhancement and stability system improves productivity and safety while reducing workload for helicopter operators. 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 dramatically improved handling.
“State Department pilots are very enthusiastic about FastFin,” said the State Department Office of Aviation officer. “The increased stability and other anticipated benefits will make their very difficult jobs just a little easier.”
FastFin is available for Bell 212s and a range of UH-1 derivatives. It will soon be available for Bell 412s. Marone and other BLR representatives will be answering questions and providing information about FastFin’s aerodynamic improvements daily during Heli-Expo (Exhibit 2970).
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