Supercharge engines for helicopters

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Barrj3
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Supercharge engines for helicopters

Postby Barrj3 » Wed Aug 1 2018, 05:28

Has anyone heard or have any information, good or bad, about supercharged engines for helicopters?
Thanks in advance
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skypig
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Re: Supercharge engines for helicopters

Postby skypig » Wed Aug 1 2018, 06:50

Turbocharged engines were common in Bell 47s.
To maintain performance as altitude increased.*
Disadvantages include cost, complexity and potentially, engine life.

*Robinson “derate#” more powerful engines to achieve the same result.

#reduce permitted MAP at sea level/ISA conditions.
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Eric Hunt
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Re: Supercharge engines for helicopters

Postby Eric Hunt » Wed Aug 1 2018, 10:10

Better to have an underworked engine than one which has to be turbo or supercharged to stay up. Lose the turbo, lose the fight.
Mallard
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Re: Supercharge engines for helicopters

Postby Mallard » Wed Aug 1 2018, 10:24

As mentioned previously it's more common to turbocharge because turbos produce excess airflow hence the need of a wastegate to reduce the amount being forced into the engine. Advantage is at higher altitudes the air is thinner so you can use more of what the turbo is capable of.

Downside is you could overboost and kill your engine.

There might be a case for superchargers at low level... they can never overboost the engine and if they fail you wont pump all your oil into your exhaust.
Lucky_01
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Re: Supercharge engines for helicopters

Postby Lucky_01 » Wed Aug 1 2018, 22:15

Im not going to say for or against.....

But we work with 60 litre cummins engine, 45 litres, MTU and caterpillar C18, C27, C32 - and there is not one supercharger in site. All turbo's and most make midlife (12000 hours) - provided a fitter doesnt run a foreign object through them....

Cheers
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rex bivouac
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Re: Supercharge engines for helicopters

Postby rex bivouac » Thu Aug 2 2018, 04:16

Get a turbine.
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skypig
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Re: Supercharge engines for helicopters

Postby skypig » Thu Aug 2 2018, 04:56

I’ve never flown a turbo B47, but I’ve flown a turbine B47. Soloy CT18 conversion.
Less weight, more power. What’s not to like? (Apart from fuel flow.....)
lowlevelhell
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Re: Supercharge engines for helicopters

Postby lowlevelhell » Sat Aug 4 2018, 02:02

How about WMI? that was used on many airframes during and after WWII.
No bucks? No Buck Rogers! 8)

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