Enstrom 280 Shark
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation · United States · first flew 1960 · helicopter
The Enstrom 280 Shark is a light piston-engined helicopter produced by Enstrom Helicopter Corporation of Menominee, Michigan, designed for training and personal use. Its streamlined fibreglass fuselage gives it a distinctive aerodynamic appearance uncommon in light helicopters.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Distinctive streamlined 'shark-nose' fiberglass fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Small three-seat piston helicopter
- Distinctive streamlined 'shark-nose' fiberglass fuselage
- Single main rotor with twin-blade tail rotor
Recognised by its smooth, pointed fibreglass nose, three-bladed main rotor, and compact three-seat cabin; the streamlined tailboom with a small two-blade tail rotor is characteristic.
Specifications
- The Enstrom 280 Shark has a length of 8.94 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.75 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 185 km/h (115 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 2 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the earlier Enstrom F-28, the Model 280 introduced a more aerodynamically refined fuselage, earning the 'Shark' nickname. First flown in the early 1960s, the type has remained in production through various upgrades. Enstrom helicopters are known for their durability and have attracted both civil and military training customers.
Variants
The 280C Shark featured the Lycoming HIO-360 engine; the 280FX introduced a turbocharged engine option; military training versions have been supplied to several countries.
Where you'll see it
Widely used in the United States and internationally for private ownership, flight training, and light utility work; also adopted by several military forces for ab initio helicopter pilot training.
Related aircraft
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