Enstrom 480

Summary

Description

In the 1980s, the Enstrom Helicopter Company responded to a United States Army requirement for a turbine-powered training helicopter by designing a larger, turbine-powered version of its 280 Shark. The proposed unit was designated TH28, derived from the 280. Although the Army contract was unsuccessful, Enstrom recognized the commercial potential and committed to a commercial version, which was introduced in 1993. This model was powered by the C20W variant of the Rolls-Royce Model 250 turboshaft engine.

The Enstrom 480 features a welded steel-tube framework fuselage with an aluminum cover and tailcone. A notable design choice is the pilot's position on the left side. The aircraft operates without a hydraulic system; instead, a trim system is utilized to manage rotor feedback, enabling the pilot to set the desired stick position. The 480B model is powered by an engine capable of producing 420 shp but is derated to 305 shp for 5 minutes and 277 continuous shp. The engine drives a three-bladed main rotor with a diameter of 32 feet and a tail rotor of 5 feet. The main rotor and hubs weigh approximately 300 pounds.

The Enstrom 480 has seen deployment across various sectors, including civil, governmental, and military roles. Civil operators commonly employ the aircraft for commercial and flight training purposes, often operating small fleets. Several nations utilize the 480 for military and governmental functions. For example, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the Royal Thai Army operate this helicopter, while the Indonesian National Police uses it for law enforcement. The Czech Republic employs it within the Flight Training Center Pardubice. Other countries, such as Equatorial Guinea, Venezuela, and Zambia also operate or have on order the Enstrom 480 for their respective air forces. A former operator, the York Regional Police in Canada, retired their aircraft due to excessive noise complaints.

Main Variants:

• 480: The initial five-seat civil version, certified in November 1993, formed the basis for subsequent models.

• 480B: An enhanced version with increased gross weight and power limits, receiving certification in the US in February 2001 and Canada in February 2019, with an increase in gross weight and useful load by approximately 150 pounds.

• 480B Guardian: A variant of the 480B specifically configured for police or law enforcement operations, featuring a front-mounted camera and searchlight.

• TH-28: Based on the Enstrom 280FX but incorporating a turbine engine, a larger cabin, and larger horizontal and vertical stabilizers, primarily intended for military training and light patrol duties, with six units built.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Japan	30
	Thailand	21
	Venezuela	12 (+4)

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Japan • Thailand • United States • Venezuela

Photo of 480