Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

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Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby Loafing Smurf » Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:30 pm

When the H-34 Choctaw came out in Vietnam, it often sank into the ground. This happened when helicopters landed on malleable surfaces and all its weight was focused on three points (the landing wheels). To resolve this, later helicopters were designed with skis. That way the weight is more distributed on both sides.

So. my question is. Why do helicopters have wheels again? Is it because they are not as heavy as older helicopters? Or modern helipads made out of harder materials.
Last edited by Loafing Smurf on Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby flyboy 28 » Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:33 pm

I know one advantage is the ability to taxi... Don't really know thats the main reason... ::)
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Re: Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby Craig. » Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:35 pm

this is an army navy thing in this country. think about trying to move a helicopter with skids on the deck of a ship. the skids for the army choppers arnt so bad.
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Re: Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby Loafing Smurf » Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:39 pm

I see

So used to taxi.
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Re: Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby Craig. » Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:41 pm

I see

So used to taxi.

in some cases yes, but imagine trying to pull a helicopter with skids around the hanger of a ship, even with the optional wheel trucks you still have to lift it.
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Re: Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby C » Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:42 pm

I see

So used to taxi.


And a Chinook would look pants with skids. In fact skids are limited to the smaller end of the size bracket, and thinking about it there aren't that many military helicopters that still use them (thinking British Army Lynx/Bell 2xx, 4xx, Cobra series and other smallish helis...)

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Re: Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby Craig. » Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:46 pm

the gazzel
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Re: Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby C » Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:51 pm

the gazzel


And the Gazelle. So tiny I forgot about it... ;)
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Re: Helicopters: Wheelvs vs Skis

Postby Craig. » Mon Dec 13, 2004 6:00 pm

lol yes i know, i always spell it wrong ::) :)
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