§ 40. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement giving details of the present position and future prospects in respect to the development of helicopters for passenger and goods transport services in this country; and what progress has been made in the experiments designed to reduce noise.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. F. J. Erroll)As the answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the Minister aware that a prominent feature of aviation day yesterday in Moscow was the twinengined helicopters? Can the Minister say whether we have any such machines of which we could now make use for troops and equipment and, if not, why we are so far behind?
§ Mr. ErrollI would ask the hon. Member to study the answer which will appear in HANSARD.
Following is the answer:Two prototypes of the Bristol 173 helicopter, which has twin piston engines, are undergoing development trials. Further prototypes with more powerful piston engines are in course of construction. The Bristol Aeroplane Company is planning a version with gas turbine engines, which should be capable of carrying up to 27 passengers.Fairey Aviation are continuing development work on the Rotodyne helicopter. Two prototypes are under construction, primarily for research into the novel principles of this aircraft; the size and power, however, are such that the design should be readily adaptable to give a 30-40 seater civil helicopter, of the kind for which British European Airways Corporation have stated a requirement. The second prototype is being built with a slightly larger fuselage corresponding with requirements stated by operators for cargo-carrying purposes. The small research helicopter embodying a number of the Rotodyne principles is engaged on development flying in aid of the Rotodyne.A third type of research helicopter is under construction by the Percival Aircraft Company. This embodies another form of reactionless 765 drive which might be applicable for civil passenger aircraft, and which should be particularly attractive from the point of view of noise reduction.A contract has been placed for an experimental installation of gas turbine engines in the Westland S.55 helicopter; if successful, this should be of interest to civil operators.Helicopter noise is not a problem to which speedy solutions can be expected. The work, which was described at length in reply to a Question by the hon. Member on 28th February, 1955, is continuing normally. In addition, Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd. have recently announced details of progress made on silencing jet engine exhausts, which is of application to helicopters incorporating jet propulsion units.