 The
enclosure not something that has been added to cover the fuselage it
is a "structural enclosure" and is actually part of the airframe,
replacing the open frame of the helicopter.
Even with the addition of the enclosure the XE will still fit into
the Part 103 ultralight regulations in the U.S. if it is equipped
with floats.
Under Part 103 an ultralight is allowed a 60 lbs.
float allowance.
The floats used on the XEL (the float equipped
version is called the XEL) weigh in at only 15 lbs. allowing extra
weight for the craft.
Innovator offers the unit in five sub kits. One of
those being the open frame kit version. The XE actually takes less
time to build than the original open frame kit.
Power on the XE is supplied by the 60 lb.
Zanzottera MZ 202 engine which produces 65 hp, when equipped with a
tuned exhaust. The MZ 202 comes with electric start
and a clutch. The centrifugal clutch also the engine to start up and
idle without being under a load.
At 2300 rpm the spragg clutch engages, which
allows the rotor to drive in one direction and free wheel in the
other. This allows the helicopter to auto rotate in case of engine
failure, allowing it to land similar to a gyrocopter.
From the clutch power passes through a drive
coupler which helps dampen vibration, and goes to the splitter gear
box which transfers power to the shaft drive for the tail rotor and
up to the main rotor.
The power to the main rotor is reduction drive
driven via a belt system, which converts the 6,000 rpm of the engine
down to the speeds need for rotor operation. All parts are
manufactured on C & C equipment. The body for the XE is made in
Florida.
Top speed on the XE is 80 mph. cruise speed comes
in at 65 mph. Maximum pilot weight is 240 lbs. For float operation
the company has developed a rear horizontal stabilizer for more down
force on the rear of the craft, to compensate for the extra drag of
the floats.
Training for the XE can be done in an R 22 or a
Hughes 300 which has a similar
control feeling to the XE.
Current delivery times out of the factory are
approximately sixty days. Thirty seven units have been delivered to
customers, eight were flying as of August 2005.
The Mosquito is being offered in kit
form and comes with laser formed frame parts, machined parts,
instruments, rotor blades and engine.
Each kit comes with a comprehensive
assembly manual with drawings. The kit should take about 200 hours
to build.
For more information
INNOVATOR TECHNOLOGIES
BOX 17, SITE 17, RR5
CALGARY, AB., CANADA T2P 2G6
(403) 669-3101 or (403) 936-5423
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