The floats used on the XEL (The float
equipped version is called the XEL) weigh in at only 15 lbs.
allowing extra weight for the craft.
Innovator offers the unit in five sub kits.
One of those being the open frame kit version. The XE
actually takes less time to build than the original open
frame kit.
Power on the XE is supplied by the 60 lb.
Zanzottera MZ 202 engine which produces 65 hp, when equipped
with a tuned exhaust. The MZ 202 comes with electric start and
a clutch. The centrifugal clutch also the engine to start up
and idle without being under a load.
At 2300 rpm the spragg clutch engages,
which allows the rotor to drive in one direction and free
wheel in the other. This allows the helicopter to auto
rotate in case of engine failure, allowing it to land
similar to a gyrocopter.
From the clutch power passes through a
drive coupler which helps dampen vibration, and goes to the
splitter gear box which transfers power to the shaft drive
for the tail rotor and up to the main rotor.
The power to the main rotor is reduction
drive driven via a belt system, which converts the 6,000 rpm
of the engine down to the speeds need for rotor operation.
All parts are manufactured on C & C equipment. The body for
the XE is made in Florida.
Top speed on the XE is 80 mph. cruise
speed comes in at 65 mph. Maximum pilot weight is 240 lbs.
For float operation the company has developed a rear
horizontal stabilizer for more down force on the rear of the
craft, to compensate for the extra drag of the floats.
Training for the XE can be done in an R 22
or a Hughes 300 which has a similarcontrol feeling to the XE.
Current delivery times out of the factory
are approximately sixty days. Thirty seven units have been
delivered to customers, eight were flying as of August 2005.
The Mosquito is being
offered in kit form and comes with laser formed frame parts,
machined parts, instruments, rotor blades and engine.
Each kit comes with a
comprehensive assembly manual with drawings. The kit should
take about 200 hours to build.
For more information
INNOVATOR TECHNOLOGIES
BOX 17, SITE 17, RR5
CALGARY, AB., CANADA T2P 2G6
(403) 669-3101 or (403) 936-5423
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