Aerotécnica AC-14

The Aerotécnica AC-14 was a Spanish five-seat light helicopter of the 1950s, designed by Jean Cantinieau, based on enlarging his Nord Norelfe design.

AC-14
Role light utility helicopter
National origin Spain
Manufacturer Aerotécnica
Designer Jean Cantinieau
First flight 16 July 1957
Number built 11

The AC-14 continued the Cantinieau practice of mounting the engine forward of the main rotor, and like the Norelfe, used the ducted exhaust from the turboshaft to counter the torque of the main rotor at low speeds, while at high speeds the exhaust gases were deflected rearwards to increase speed, torque being compensated for by movable twin tail fins.[1]

The first of prototype flew on 16 July 1957.[1] The Spanish Air Force placed a pre-production order for ten machines where they served for a short time under the designation EC-XZ-4. No full production ensued, as they were much more expensive than second-hand Bell 47G-2 and G-3s.

Operators

Specifications
Aerotécnica AC-14 outline

Data from Janes' All The World's Aircraft 1961–62[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 4 passengers
  • Length: 8.13 m (26 ft 8 in)
  • Height: 3.10 m (10 ft 2 in)
  • Empty weight: 650 kg (1,433 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,250 kg (2,756 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,350 kg (2,976 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Artouste IIB turboshaft engine, 300 kW (400 hp)
  • Main rotor diameter: 9.65 m (31 ft 8 in)
  • Main rotor area: 72.35 m2 (778.8 sq ft)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 180 km/h (110 mph, 97 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 150 km/h (93 mph, 81 kn)
  • Range: 300 km (190 mi, 160 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 640 km (400 mi, 350 nmi) (with auxiliary tanks)
  • Service ceiling: 6,800 m (22,300 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 4.62 m/s (909 ft/min)
Aerotécnica AC-14
  • Aerotécnica AC-14, Ducted exhaust and rudders detail
    Aerotécnica AC-14, Ducted exhaust and rudders detail
  • Aerotécnica AC-14, Cockpit detail
    Aerotécnica AC-14, Cockpit detail
  • Aerotécnica AC-14, Seats detail
    Aerotécnica AC-14, Seats detail
  • Aerotécnica AC-14, Rotor and top detail
    Aerotécnica AC-14, Rotor and top detail


See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. Taylor, John W. R. (1961). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1961–62. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company. p. 127.

Further reading
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aerotécnica AC-14.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
  • Simpson, R. W. (1998). Airlife's Helicopters and Rotorcraft. Ramsbury: Airlife Publishing.
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