BA-DI2
| BA-DI2 | |
|---|---|
| |
| BA-DI2 | |
| Role | Multirole |
| Design group | Baen Rotorworks |
| Built by | Baen Avionics |
| First flight | 14 March 1968 |
| Introduction | 1970 |
| Primary users | National Army of Faneria Kiravian Army |
| Produced | 1969-2003 |
| Number built | 4,273 |
The BA-DI2 Colm (Aen. Pigeon) is a light, twin-engine helicopter developed in the early 1970s by Baen Avionics for the Fhainnin Army. Originally designed as a light troop transport, it has since expanded into a number of civilian roles as well as receiving militarized variants, and remains in military service in some countries. The Colm is one of the longest-serving helicopters in the world, with replacement parts production still ongoing as of 2030 on a by-order basis.
Design and Development
The DI2 was the second proposed rotor design by Baen to feature a shaft turbine engine, with the earlier DI1 being a proposed two-engine development of the AI2 single-engine, which possessed weak flight characteristics and was only useful as a proof-of-concept in replacing early piston engines. Twin engines increased the potential weight of both craft and cargo significantly while remaining lighter than a single piston engine, with the DI1 being used as a testbed before work was performed on the DI2, which was actually intended for mass production.
The role envisioned for the Colm was that of a fast, light helicopter capable of rapidly clearing a drop site, deploying infantry, and exiting the battlespace. While able to provide reconnaissance and limited fire support, the design was lightly armored and minimal, with the expectation that upgrade packages would be produced to fit specialist recon and medevac roles. The production of such an aircraft was considered an integral part of creating airmobile infantry formations by the Fhainnin Army, enabling a swarm of smaller targets to deploy infantry across a broad area simultaneously or a concentrated one in sequence. Several proposed variations of the original craft included SACLOS ATGMs; however, the role of the Colm as a lightly armored ferry eventually lead to the development of more role-appropriate craft, namely the BA-DI6.
Due to a desire to minimize craft weight and size, the hull of the helicopter is tall, with the crew compartment directly below the engines and fuel tanks in a signature 'hunchback' configuration. The tail boom is positioned directly behind the engine block, and the craft features a triple-bladed rotor and tri-wheel landing system, with the forward wheel being powered for taxiing. Military variations of the craft have fittings for up to two weapon racks, one on each side of the crew compartment, which can fit anti-armor or HE rocket pods, autocannon, or machine guns; these are removed on some variants to fit sensory equipment, additional fuel tanks, or other support equipment. Most variants feature a single large passenger and two crew doors, though civilian and cargo variants instead have an additional passenger door on the right side as well.
Variants
- BA-DI2 Colm - Base version.
- BA-DI2 Lancolm - Version with hull-mounted autocannon in addition to weapon pods.
- BA-DI2 Ceancolm - C2+ Variant
- BA-DI2 Iompacolm - Supply variant, with passenger compartment modified with larger doors and no seating to fit more equipment.
- BA-DIB2 - Civilian variant, used in firewatch, policing, and medevac roles, as well as commercial transit.
- BA-DI2 '95 - Rebuilt military scout variant with modernized electronics, munitions countermeasures, and more powerful engines.
- BA-DIB2 '95 - Rebuilt civilian version.
