Further Work on the Design and Construction of an Operational Gunship Helicopter for Instructional Purposes

This project work aimed to design and develop a functional helicopter gunship for educational purposes within the mechanical and aerospace engineering department of the a university, as this is further work focusing on reducing weight and fabricating lighter components of the previously done work. The study explores the history and evolution of gunship as dated back to 1903 by the wright brothers who describe gunship in two types of gunships, are heavily armed aircraft designed for attacking ground or sea targets . Despite advancement in aviation, the university's mechanical and aerospace engineering program lacks the necessary equipment and funding to commence it's curriculum effectively. This project materials were selected based on considerations of cost , performance, availability, workability, and ease of maintenance. The project involved designing and fabricating individual components, including the airframe, Landon gear, rotor blades, and engine , using computer- Aided design (CAD) software and various fabrication techniques. The rotor blades, with a total length of 6500mm, were designed to cover and area of 16m² (16,000,000m²) The project utilized a 90- degree gear system and was powered by a Henry West GX200 engine , a 6.4Hp, 4-cycle , single -cylinder fuel engine with a high power -to- weight ratio , operating at 250rpm. The assembly process on involved attaching the components of the air frame, landing gear, and tail boom , followed by testing to ensure proper fitting and expected output. Although the project faced challenges z including gearbox malfunctions, it successfully achieved it's primary objective of reducing the gunship's weight . The complete project can serve as a valuable teaching aid for student, providing practical insight into gunship design and construction.however , due to the limitations and challenges encountered, this project is recommended for further work to address the issues and explore opportunities for future improvements, such as achieving flight capability. By building upon this foundation, future developments can focus on advancing the design and functionality of the helicopter gunship, ultimately contributing to the growth of aerospace engineering and technology.