Message posted by Magoo on June 05, 2000 at 07:52:50 EST:
Sorry, but the concept of a 'silent' mode helo makes me think you might have been watching 'Blue Thunder' a bit too much. It is doubtful whether helos can operate in a 'whisper' or 'quiet' mode, any more than any other jet aircraft, as the rotors are powered by a jet turbine. Some of the more advanced attack helos have IR and radar masking on their engine inlets and exhausts (e.g. Apache and Comanche), but this does not supress sound. Sure, a jet engine can idle but this will not (theoretically at least) allow the helo to stay in the air. There are even some test helos flying with mini jets or rockets on the rotor tips, but this is also very noisy. Have you considered the possibility of a lighter than air vehicle such as a small blimp or similar? These have been reported around the Nellis ranges from time to time, and are probably able to hover quietly if there is no wind. Magoo
In Reply to: What type of helicopter was it? posted by Billy GK1 on June 04, 2000 at 21:59:14 EST:
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