Named the JMR-TD, AVX’s copter is seen as a replacement for the Blackhawk, Chinook and Apache birds. Featuring a coaxial rotor design augmented by two ducted fan propulsion systems the 12,000kg (27,000lb) helicopter is just 3,000 kilos shy of the massive Chinook’s gross weight, yet it boasts a top speed that’s well in excess of the Apache’s 284km/h (176.5mph). Expected to reach a top speed of 435km/h (270mph), the JMR-TD will be able to lift some 5,900kg (13,000lbs) in cargo while also shuttling 12 combat-ready troops and a four-man crew.
Although the JMR will apparently be able to hoist enormous amounts of cargo and outrun nearly every helicopter in the world, AVX’s machine will still come in a gun-ship flavor armed with machine gun turrets and door mounted weapons.
Though the JMR-TD is only one of three platforms being evaluated by the military brass it’s hard to image how it could slip from contention, particularly if it can meet its lofty performance goals. In the coming years we may see AVX pair down the JMR’s abilities as it readies itself for trial runs. However, if by 2017 the chopper still meets its 2014 standards the military would be hard pressed to find a more suitable replacement for some of its most venerable craft.
Image Courtesy of AVX Aircraft