I have examined and test flown this newly developed AK 1-3 helicopter in Poltava Ukraine. Would like to compare notes with any one else who has also flown it. I rate the engineering design and build quality as outstanding. There are no castings used in its manufacture, but only CNC machined parts, including the main rotor gearbox casing. There is copious use of Kevlar for all blades and cabin and also plenty of Titanium for weight savings. It would be an injustice to comapre this helicopter to existing crop of kit-helicopters. The helicopter is powered by a 165 hp fuel injected EJ 25 Subaru. I would rate this craft between a R22 Beta II and the Schweitzer 269 C in terms of its weight lifting capacity, performance and cabin size.

Very smooth in flight, usefull load of 610 pounds, cruise speed of 85 knots, rate of climb of 1770 Ft/min, gross weight of 1430 pounds and 200 statute mile range at cruise speed + nice wide cabin at 4ft 5″.
I was very impressed, so I took on the agency for Southern Africa.

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