Towing a helocopter

[fredflinstone]

My daddy talked me into it!!! My father is on the board of a local military museum and the army is realeasing a demilled cobra to them. I am looking for any information I can get on the legalities of towing this on a flatbed from New York state to Nebraska behind my ETH. Any help is appreciated. Thanks Seth

 

[Okie-Go]

I think if you had an official letter of some kind and it didn't go over the weight or height you will be Ok. Just me 2 cents.

 

[K_Arts]

This would be pretty cool to see, if you get to tow it. . please take some pics if you get a chance... .



Kev

 

[Todd G]

I would think a Cobra would be pretty high even with the blades off. Better check first!

 

[NVR FNSH]

A while back in a TDR issue there was a pic of a CTD towing a Huey at a Parade - think it was in Long Beach, CA. Maybe somebody can contact the guy?



Brian

 

[AH64ADMTP]

Towing Height

Just a short note..... as I have seen a few aircraft destroyed while being transported on a trailer.



First things first, what kind of trailer are you going to use? Unless your going to be using a low-boy style trailer the Cobra is going to be to tall to fit under most overpasses, the aircraft is over 12 feet tall as it sits on the ground. If the Main Rotor (M/R) blades, M/R head, and the mast are removed it should travel under everything you encounter.



Second issue is weight, the AH-1 series in the later models come in a little over 14K pounds. Since it should be empty of fuel you could subtract 1400 lbs + or - a little.



Third issue is the width, wing tip to wing tip it is just at 12 feet depending on the model.



Have lots of other info to share... PM me and I'll dig out my old manuals and give you the accurate info. Man I did enjoy flying them!!

 

[heliopilot]

1) remove the main rotor blades. 2) after it's strapped to the trailer, have it shrink wrapped, or do it yourself with the industrial saran wrap. it prevents roadgrime from getting into all kinds of places you wish it wasnt

3) you will need a low boy trailer for this piece of military hardware.

4)depending on overall height you may have to remove the rotor head and mast, or the skids

helicopters are typically very light in weight,(civilian) the trailer usually weighs more.....

Ive personally hauled coast to coast a couple of times now. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

[fredflinstone]

Well I we had allready forseen the need to remove the rotore head and perhaps even the transmission and if I recall properly it sticks in my head that teh origional dry shipping weight of one was only arould 7 thousand pounds? But I'd be glad to look again. I'm mostly interested in the leagalities of hauling one down the interstate. Since my father was an army helocopter pilot and I'm currently trying to get accepted into flight school in the army the technical is not the issue so mush as the legality of doing so. Thanks Seth

 

[fredflinstone]

I also questin the length issue considering this will be over 40 feet and will deffinatelly extend beyongd the traler. I will be pulling it with a goose neck trailer thats completely capable of handling the weight but I would also question if I will need to stop at scale houses or not. Don't want to get a nasty fine for anything. Any help is appreciated Thanks Seth

 

[heliopilot]

I have never had a problem or been stopped for a helicopter tail boom from overhanging the trailer. We do however for safety hang a red flag/marker from the end of the tailboom. And when hauling at nite we mount a yellow flashing strobe on the end of the tail boom for visibilty.

 

[Deezul1]

Better remove the ammo too. Then just drop it off at my place, always wanted one of those.

 

[Scot]

Drop the Vulcan off at my house please!