Aerokopter AK1-3 Sanka
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Kharkiv , Ukraine |
| Products | Helicopters (AK1-3 model) |
| Parent | Perla Aviation (since 2009) |
The Aerokopter AK1-3 is a helicopter originating from Ukraine, engineered and manufactured by Aerokopter (also spelled "Aerocopter") based in Kharkiv. This model is delivered as a fully assembled, ready-to-fly aircraft.
Certain references identify the AK1-3 by the names Sanka or San'ka, though this designation is not universally used.
Design and development
The AK1-3 was created to meet the Ukrainian AP-27 standards, which closely align with the European Aviation Safety Agency CS-27 criteria. Its configuration includes a single main rotor paired with a tail rotor, an enclosed cockpit seating two occupants side-by-side, skid landing gear, and it is powered by a four-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke 156 horsepower (116 kW) Subaru EJ25 engine adapted from automotive use.
The helicopter’s main rotor spans 6.84 metres (22.4 ft), featuring three Starflex blades each with a 15 centimetres (5.9 in) chord. The rotor system utilizes a distinctive torsion bar mounting that permits blade articulation for pitch adjustments, flapping motion, as well as lead and lag movements. Power transmission to the main rotor is achieved through belt drives, whereas the tail rotor receives power via a solid shaft. The empty weight of the aircraft is 380 kilograms (840 lb), with a maximum takeoff weight of 650 kilograms (1,430 lb), resulting in a useful load capacity of 270 kilograms (600 lb). When fully fueled with 75 litres (16 imp gal; 20 US gal), the remaining payload capacity stands at 216 kilograms (476 lb).
Certification for the design was granted under Ukrainian type certification regulations in 2006.
In 2009, Aerokopter (also known as DB Aercopters) was purchased by Perla Group’s aviation division, Perla Aviation, which announced plans to relocate the AK1-3 production line to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
As of December 2020, the manufacturer reported delivering a total of 102 units of this helicopter model.
Operational history
As of December 2020, a 2008 AK1-3 model bearing serial number 1001 was registered in the United States under the Federal Aviation Administration's Experimental-Exhibition Special Certificate of Airworthiness category. This registration took place in January 2018. Prior to its U.S. registration, the identical aircraft (serial number 1001) was listed with Transport Canada under the Special Certificate of Airworthiness - Limited Category from 2009 until 2015, before being exported to the United States in 2015.
Variants
- Aerokopter ZA-6 San'ka
- The initial concept that served as the foundation for the AK1 series, featuring a five-bladed main rotor and powered by a converted 119 kW (160 hp) Subaru EJ22 automotive engine.
- Aerokopter AK1-5
- An advanced prototype derived from the ZA-6 design, maintaining the five-bladed main rotor. This model, registered as GL-0478, was exhibited at the 2002 Kyiv Manufacturing and Security Exhibition.
- Aerokopter AK1-3
- Representing the subsequent development phase, the AK1-3 incorporated a three-bladed rotor system and was also presented in an incomplete state at the 2002 Kyiv exhibition. Modifications included a tailplane equipped with end-plate fins and relocation of the tail rotor to the right side of the tail boom.
Specifications (AK1-3)
.jpg){kind=link}
See also
- Alpi Syton AH 130
- DF Helicopters DF334
- Dynali H2S
- Famà Kiss 209
- Heli-Sport CH-7
- LCA LH 212 Delta
- RotorWay Exec
