Noha307 wrote:
Not flying at the moment, but the CAF has an
R-4 project that apparently is under consideration for restoration to airworthy condition. It's been registered as
N4605V since 1998.
The CAF has been saying that for the last 40 years.
So with all due respect for the Colonels from Texas...
I'll believe it when I see it! While the fuselage and engine are nothing too difficult to do,, Aside from a unique transmission, the type has wood ribbed
fabric covered rotor blades. I can only imagine the cost of those.
Unless I am mistaken, the availability of rotor blades are a primary reason why they is only one flying of the HH-43 Huskie series and the H-21 Shawnee/Workhorse. So don't underestimate the challenges in making bespoke rotor blades.
And for my two cents worth of advice (which no one has asked for), Classic Rotors would be better off putting their resources towards flying a smaller, better supported (I'm guessing there are some parts, and several airframes, out there as opposed to the HRP) HUP.
The sole airworthy example of the Retriever was lost in a fatal accident a few years back. It frequently appeared at the museum's airshows, flying with a H-21, CH-46 and CH-47...a unique family portrait.
While the HRP is a historic type, as the first large USMC helicopter and a early tandem rotor machine, the HUP has a much more extensive service history.