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The RUMAS 10 is a strikingly designed light helicopter by the Czech-based RUMAS (Russian Ukraine Maslova) group. The helicopter uses a three-bladed coaxial counter-rotating main rotor system along with a pusher-type tail rotor reminiscent of the Sikorsky S-97 Raider. The 10 is intended primarily for civil use and takes the unmanned future of aviation into account with its design. Unlike most helicopter the 10 has a main rotor that is not tilted during flight, since propulsion is provided by the rear pusher-type propeller. This is a feature that significantly decreases drag. The rear propeller is a high-speed fully reversible unit that can quickly change its thrust vector to accelerate or brake the aircraft. The combination of these different design features results in a helicopter with a guaranteed cruise speed of 155 mph (250 kph) and a designed top speed of 186 mph (300 kph). This is a 75% improvement on the cruising speed of traditional light helicopters. A higher flight speed translates to lower per-hour flight costs, coupled with an asking price estimated at 850 000 USD the 10 becomes a very attractive prospect, as it is in the same price range as a Bell 206 Jet Ranger. An aircraft that tops out at 137 mph (222 kph). Another interesting aspect of the 10 is the choice of power plant. One may have either a single gas turbine engine rated at 220 horsepower or two rotary piston engines for a similar combined rating. The relatively low absolute engine power makes the performance, and therefore aerodynamics, of the 10 all the more remarkable. In terms of design the 10 certainly looks like a 21s century aircraft, with an aesthetic that is more reminiscent of Apple computers than Eastern European design bureaus such as Mil. This is clearly a result of RUMAS’ experience with modern composite materials. In fact, apart from engines and avionics, RUMAS manufactures everything in-house. The cockpit size and design also clearly have comfort in mind, which is another departure from historic vehicle design from this part of the world. Where typical light helicopters assume a pilot weight of about 175 lb (80 kg) the 10 works on an assumption of 265 lb (120 kg). It will also accommodate pilots slightly taller than 6ft (about 190 cm). The Russian and Chinese markets are likely to be the main recipients of 10s when they become available. The Russian market alone has an estimated demand of 30 units per year according to RUMAS. If the helicopter performs as promised at its proposed price it has a good chance at market success.
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