Vietnam Mechanics Association VAM-1

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VAM-1
Role Tandem-seat ultralight aircraft
National origin Vietnam
Manufacturer Vietnam Mechanics Association
First flight 8 December 2005
Status Abandoned project
Developed from Spectrum Beaver RX-550

The Vietnam Mechanics Association VAM-1 (VAM short for Vietnam Association Mechanics[1]) is a Vietnamese ultralight aircraft developed by the Vietnam Mechanics Association in the 2000s. It is based on the Spectrum Beaver RX-550.[2]

Development and design[edit]

On 14 April 2003, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải signed the 55/TB-VPCP–18/4/2003 official despatch,[3] allowing the Vietnam Mechanics Association (Vietnamese: Hội Cơ học Việt Nam[a]) to build a two-seat propeller-driven plane.[4]

In 2003, Phạm Duy Long went to Canada to study piloting and light aircraft technology.[5] With financial support from Overseas Vietnamese investors,[6] construction of the prototype began in April 2003 under the leadership of Vimar Nguyễn[5] and Nguyễn Văn Đạo [vi].[7] The VAM-1 was announced in August,[4] the prototype completed in September,[8] and the first flight being scheduled in the later months.[2]

A Spectrum Beaver RX-550, registered as C-IBUN in Canada and owned by Vimar Nguyễn, formed the basis for the VAM-1. The VAM-1 has fixed tricycle landing gear. The flight controls are conventional and manual, and the ailerons are full-span. It has a boom-mounted tail section and sweptback leading edges. The structure is made of aluminium tubes. It is also fabric-covered.[2] The experimented engine was a Rotax engine,[9] which produced about 60 hp (45 kW).[10] About 20% of the VAM-1, including the landing gear and controls, are modified to fit the conditions in Vietnam.[11]

However, the aircraft did not receive any licences to fly, and the VAM-1 did not take off for a further two years.[4] Nonetheless, the plane performed its first taxiing runs on 28 March 2004.[2][4][8] On 8 December 2005, the VAM-1, with pilot Phạm Duy Long at the controls,[2] took off for its maiden flight, with the aeroplane taking off and landing three times.[1]

In 2006, Nguyễn Văn Đạo died following a traffic accident. Đạo's sudden death led to the project encountering several problems, and the project was eventually abandoned. The VAM project's largest supporter, former Prime Minister Võ Văn Kiệt, also died in 2008.[7]

Specifications[edit]

Data from Jackson, Paul; Munson, Kenneth; Peacock, Lindsay, eds. (2008). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2008–2009 (99th ed.). Surrey: Jane's Information Group. p. 925. ISBN 978-0-7106-28374.[2]

General characteristics

  • Length: 6.30 m (20 ft 8 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.75 m (32 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in)
  • Empty weight: 150 kg (330 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 470 kg (1,035 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × unspecified piston engine believed to be a Rotax 582 two-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, 48.0 kW (64.4 hp)
  • Propellers: two-bladed

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 132 km/h (82 mph, 71 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 2,500 m (8,200 ft)
  • Takeoff run: 70 m (230 ft)

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Also informally abbreviated as Hội Cơ học VN.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Nghiệm thu máy bay nhỏ VAM-1". Nhân Dân (in Vietnamese). 7 March 2006. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Jackson, Paul; Munson, Kenneth; Peacock, Lindsay, eds. (2008). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2008–2009 (99th ed.). Surrey: Jane's Information Group. p. 925. ISBN 978-0-7106-28374.
  3. ^ "Máy bay VN không được bay: Chờ Bộ trưởng Thăng hành động!". Thương Hiệu & Công Luận (in Vietnamese). 4 August 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Lê, Trọng Sành (20 April 2005). "VAM-1: Hai năm vẫn chờ giấy phép bay!". Dân Trí (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b Bích, Hà (5 August 2006). "Máy bay "Made in Vietnam"". Người Lao Động (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  6. ^ Dat, Viet (13 August 2014). "Small propeller airplane made in Vietnam still waits for license". VietNamNet. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  7. ^ a b Trọng, Thịnh (30 April 2022). "Thủ tướng Võ Văn Kiệt và chiếc máy bay thương hiệu Việt". Tiền Phong (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  8. ^ a b "VAM 1 chạy thử nghiệm thành công". Tuổi Trẻ (in Vietnamese). 29 March 2004. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  9. ^ Lê, Trọng Sành (12 April 2004). "VAM-1 bao giờ được bay?". Người Lao Động (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  10. ^ Trong, Khuong (10 January 2006). "Viet Nam's First Light Plane Passes Tests to Take Off". Sài Gòn Giải Phóng. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  11. ^ Nhất, Phương (22 March 2007). "VN sản xuất thành công máy bay siêu nhẹ VAM-2". Người Lao Động (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 6 January 2024.
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