An evolution of MDHI's iconic MD 900/902 series helicopters, the MD 969 Combat Aircraft represents the future assault and attack capabilities of this proven and powerful light twin-engine aircraft.
The market for a multi-purpose combat helicopter is saturated. Wish MD helo would built a proper attack helicopter version of combat explorer (twin-tandem seating, slender fuselage, a belly mounted swiveling gun).
You know. The sooner MD finally realizes that the NOTOR is not all it was hoped to be, . then I have a feeling that the 900 series with a 4 bladed tail Rotor, can become a successful platform. The 500 series is the most successful helo line world wide for a reason. And with mostly pilots/techs on here watching these vids, I shouldnt have to explain that reason other than the 520N eliminated that reason and consequently became the lowest selling model of the entire series.. release a 900 model with a tail Rotor and watch that sucker sell like hotcakes.
NOTAR has justifiable applications but I think they would have more success if they also offered a fenestron or a conventional tail rotor. I'm sure they are less expensive, lighter, and less complex as well.
I've often wondered why the 160th SOAR didn't adopt a NOTAR variant to replace their aging MH/AH-6 Little Birds. I'm guessing that the potential for loss of tail authority in high altitude / heavy payload situations outweighs whatever is gained in reduced noise signature, maneuverability, and operational safety. I suspect the same is true of a Fenstron configuration. This remains a very cool bird, regardless.
Yes, yes, very futuristic. However, its *still* not an *Orca VTOL* - I mean, what the hell are the R&D's doing with all the money they are receiving, really?
Just a dummy bird! You dont actually see this thing fly! And you dont see the extension chords running inside to light up the instrument panels, not one was built yet!
