Helwan HA-300
Template:Infobox Aircraft The Helwan HA-300 was a fighter plane manufactured in Egypt during the 1960s. It was designed by the German aircraft engineer Willy Messerschmitt and Hispano Aviación. Originally, This plane was intended to be a small interceptor for the Spanish air force but was transferred to Egypt. There were 3 prototypes created until the termination of the project at the end of 1969, due to lack of finance and pressure from russia.The first prototype is now located since 1991 in the german museum in munich.[1]
Origin
In the late 1950's the spanish Hispano Aviación initiated the HA-300 project under the leadership of the german aircraft designer and manufacturer Willy Messerschmitt. Due to funding problems and long development time the project was abandoned in 1960, before even getting fully airborne.[2] The design was acquired by Egypt, and the design team headed by Messerschmitt moved to Egypt, to go on the design of HA-300, which now stood for Helwan Aircraft .[3] Ferdinand Brandner an Austrian jet engine expert was also invited to develop a turbojet for the new fighter.[2] Egypts aim was producing a lightweight Super-sonic, single-seat fighter which could join the Egyptian Air force as an Interceptor.
Development
The Development of HA-300 started in test facilities and workshops in Factory No. 36 in Helwan southeast of Cairo under the supervision of the Egyptian General Aero Organisation (EGAO). The HA-300 was originally designed for the after burning Orpheus BOR 12 turbojet, but was then modified for the Brandner E-300 engine which would have an after burning rating of 4800kgp.[4]India also helped in the funding of the E-300 jet engine in exchange for a new power plant for its HF-24 Marut. The E-300 jet engine ran for the first time in July 1963. The first prototype of the HA-300, powered by a 2200kgp Orpheus Mk 703-S-10 first flew on 7 March 1964 and achieved M=1.13.[4]Egypt sent 2 Egyptian pilots to India in 1964 to prepare for the HA-300 flight development.[1] It was followed by a second Orpheus powered prototype which first flew on 22 July 1965. The third and last prototype was fitted with the Egyptian E-300 engine with which it would be capable of attaining 12000m and M=2.0 within 2.5 min of take-off. This Prototype wasn't flight tested and only completed taxiing trials in November 1969. 135 million Egyptian pounds were spent on the development and the E-300 engine was given to the Indian government for the use in the HF-24 Marut fighter.[5]
Termination
After the Six-Day War defeat, Egypt needed most of its money for acquiring new air crafts and air defenses. So due to financial problems and the availability of a greater amount of Russian fighters the Egyptian government terminated the project in 1969.
Specifications (HA-300)
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 5.84 m
- Length: 12.40 m
- Height: 3.15 m
- Wing area: 16.70 m²
- Empty weight:2,100 kg
- Loaded weight: 5,443 kg
- Powerplant:
- 1 x Bristol Orpheus703 or
- 1 x Brandner E-300 turbojet
Performance
- Maximum speed:
- low Altitude: Mach 1.7 (2,124 km/h)
- Normal Altitude: Mach 1.2 (1490 km/h)
- Practical range : 755 nm (870 m, 1400 km)
- Service ceiling: 12,000 m
- Initial rate of climb: 203 m/s
Armament
- Guns:
- Two 30 mm Hispano or
- Four 23 mm Nudelmann-Suranov NS-23 cannon
- Missiles: Four infra-red homing air-to-air missiles
See also
References
External Links
- http://avia.russian.ee/air/egypt/helwan_h-300.php
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Helwan-300 Article on Smart Aerospace Community (SAC)