Solapur student develops single-seater chopper prototype

Pune: A class 12 student from the region claims to have developed the prototype of a single-seater helicopter that will cost just Rs 2 lakh. The helicopter, developed after three years of research by Solapur-based Pranjal Kulkarni (21), will fly for the first time in June this year before a Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) team to evaluate its airworthiness.
Ajinkya, as the aircraft is named, will be the smallest helicopter in the world with a length and rotor span of just 11 feet, if the test flight is successful. Kulkarni, who sought permission from the research and development division of DGCA in October, is planning to approach the National Defence Academy (NDA) for use of its airstrip to carry out the test flight.
Kulkarni has developed the aircraft using study material, research on the internet and a little guidance from Solapur-based aeromodelling expert Subash Mashal.
The prototype will have a 37 horsepower, 350 cc engine taken from a Yamaha motorcycle and has been fabricated from stainless steel, aluminum and mild steel materials to sustain a short test flight.
The 80 kg Ajinkya will have a service ceiling of 12,000 feet, a top speed of 150 km/hr and will be able to carry over 90 kg of weight.
04/01/07 Pune Newsline

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