[lurker]

Actually I really doubt that we will see a V22 Osprey on a yacht anytime soon. First of all, the fundamental premise of the aircraft had been questioned (has to do with VRS, basically it might stall in heli mode).

Thy tilt-rotor system is complicated to fly and relies heavily on computers. Being in the computer industry myself I know how much they can be trusted. In fact computer error contributed to at least one fatal accident with the MV-22 during a test fly.

Even besides the issue with VRS, and the potential buggy software. The mechanical hardware also has really poor reliability with the US military.

Remember that people who can afford a yacht large enough to land a V22 will be rich, and as such he in most cases values his life highly. I really doubt that they will trust their life on a aircraft that has a really fishy track record.

That's a shame really, because it would've been the perfect heli if I own a 340'+ yacht. The heli can actually be stored quite easily. The rotors folds and the wings actually rotates 90 degree. So, the width with wings folded would be similar to a conventional heli with rotors folded.

It's such an amazing concept, and problem with VRS can be dealt with via proper training and understanding of the limitations of the aircraft. However, I would rather see a new design start from a clean sheet. The V22 design has way too much history and baggage. Remember that they (military, Boeing/Bell) need funding to keep the project alive and lots $hit and drama happened as the result.

Oh and of course I know that you are kidding about the V22 in your original post. I just couldn't resist...

Originally Posted by Talon

Cheers Guys,

Big & Little Eagle / Nadine, they have been in many films WITH a Seawind onboard.
Wait for the next Mega Yacht to have a V22 Osprey (Twin Tilt Rotor!) land on deck!

Jay - Talon.

[YachtNews]

I agree, the V22 is an interesting concept...no doubt about that but the military has had a million probs with it thats why it is not in full active duty. So don't see an owner trying to put a 22 on his helipad to put the yacht in danger...yachts a very expensive and even though owners have endless amounts of money...they would not want to potentially damage ....a 100 million dollar yacht.

[Kevin]

In any case it wouldn't likely be the V-22 anyways. The private sector will one day be getting the BA-609.

[Talon]

V22 / BA609 military and civil, but as you guys acknowledge, unlikely to see on deck!!

Would make the aft section sink somewhat if it did!!

More like one of those SkyCar concept things instead!

[YachtNews]

What is the Payload of a BA609?....i know the military version (v22) is pretty big but would be so heavy to make the yacht squat even more?

[Kevin]

According to the BA brochure the max take-off weight is just under 17,000 pounds.

[YES!]

We have just finished designs to put a 55 foot LOA, 70,000 pound sport fish on the back of the latest Yacht Escort Ship, so a 17,000# bird is no problem for us.

Talk about arriving in style.....

[YachtNews]

OK then Stan i now see where you are going...its nothing then in terms of weight.

[lurker]

As far as the weight of the helicopter is concerned, I think there are a few factors to consider with respects to weight. If the helicopter is going to be stored on a shadow then there shouldn’t be any problems. If the helicopter is going to be stored on the yacht itself, then it is more complicated as it most likely will negatively affect the CG if it is stored on the upper decks.

Personally I really like the heli hanger of Ilona. The only down side to it is that it is a bit too low and the heli might get sprayed with salt. My personal solution would be to have a dedicated owner’s deck above the main deck. Then have the pilot house and Ilona type heli hanger above the owner’s deck. Two tender/rescue boats can be placed to the sides of the heli hanger. This way you can have a sunbathing and social area above the hanger right next to the Jacuzzi & bar above the pilot house on the sun deck.

Of course there are many potential problems to my solution. First of all the boat will probably need to be 230’ up. Stability of the boat might suffer as more weight is put on the top. I always felt that my design will be way too top heavy, but then again Benetti Reverie seems to be doing fine with her 7 decks.

[gushl]

lurker, you mentioned the heli hanger system on Ilona. I heard that in total there are in excess of 70 hydraulic rams in order for this elaborate "deck contortion" to perform its tricks! It just takes one fault to bring the whole system to a halt. If I were planning a yacht, Id think twice before implementing something like that!!
Looks cool on a brochure, but.......!

[lurker]

Thank you for point that out Gush. Again my last post focused primary on the weight issue, though my primary concern was too much weight up top. I kind of ignored other aspects involved in helicopter operation on yachts. Another problem with the Ilona hanger is that the size constrains imposed on the heli. If the owner wishes to upgrade, then the option is limited.

I didn’t know that the system has more than 70 hydraulic rams. I would figure that they can probably get away with less? Ecstasea has very similar heli hanger design at the bow, but it doesn’t get used a lot. Perhaps this has to do with the fact that it is a bit more difficult to land on the bow hanger rather than at the stern heli pad. Aside from a more difficult landing, I think the bow hanger solution on Ecstasea is the best hanger that I have seen. But a difficult landing also means a more dangerous landing, and safety should always be the first consideration. It’s a tough one. Octopussy of course has one of the most versatile hanger, but it requires both landing space and hanger space (two deck height no less), arguably the most reliable and robust implementation, but very expensive in terms of space.

[Talon]

There is an old thread that seems to have re-surfaced, all based on what's been said at the start of this one, V22 etc.

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/te...es-yachts.html