Enstrom Helicopter

Between 1989 and 1993, the United States Army was looking for a new training helicopter for the United States Army Aviation School to replace the aging UH-1 and openend a tender for a new helicopter.

As early as 1988, Enstrom carried out market analyses and design studies for a turbine-powered, larger helicopter and took part in this tender alongside other manufacturers. The Enstrom 280FX served as the basis, which was fitted with an Allison 250 C20W shaft turbine instead of the Lycoming piston engine. The cabin was enlarged, three seats were installed, two seats at the front with dual controls (instructor/student) and one seat at the rear. In addition, the instrument panel was enlarged, the rotor diameter increased, aerodynamic optimisations carried out, larger horizontal and vertical fins installed and, among other things, a larger landing gear designed. In this configuration, it was possible to train two student pilots for IFR and VFR at the same time.

The project was continued as a civilian version under the name Enstrom 480, whereby the instrument panel was reduced in size and the dual control unit was removable. A luggage compartment was also installed.

First certified on 8th February 2001, the 480B has an increased take-off weight (from approx. 1,290 kg to 1,360 kg), increased engine power (from 289 shp to 305 shp), increased payload (from approx. 530 kg to 590 kg) and improved vibration damping, among other features.