• lolcatnip
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    7 months ago

    I thought they were designed for things like marine search and rescue, where speed is important and the ability to hover is essential.

    • Poem_for_your_sprog@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      7 months ago

      They’re great at this, but the pilot needs to stay within the operating envelope, same as any helicopter.

      All rotorcraft are dangerous compared to any fixed wing aircraft. It’s a lot less forgiving on pilots and maintenance crews.

    • deranger@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      edit-2
      7 months ago

      Well, they’re not fast (prop too big) nor are they particularly great at hovering (rotor too small).

      It’s the worst of both worlds.

      • lolcatnip
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        7 months ago

        They’re faster than any conventional helicopter, right?

        • deranger@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          7 months ago

          Yes, but slower and less range than fixed wing. Likewise, it can’t do rotary wing things as good as a helicopter. It’s truly a “master of none” aircraft. It’s not great at anything.

          Putting it in a rescue role is a terrible idea. You do not want a finicky to fly, unreliable aircraft in that scenario.