KONSAI Z.1

The KONSAI Z.1 is a single-engine, single-engine, single two-bladed rotor, light developed by the Kodesian National Space and Aircraft Industry (KONSAI). The military variants are used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. KONSAI also developed and successfully marketed the aircraft commercially as the KONSAI KH.100 civilian helicopter.

Origins
The design of the Z.1 began in 1970, when KONSAI became involved in developing turbine technology for rotorcrafts, known then as the Z.1. It was a single turbine engine, low cost, short take off and landing helicopter with the goal of replacing the older light piston engine helicopters in the Kodeshi market. Design of the prototype took about five years. The initial two prototypes, Z.1YM-001 and Z.1YM-002, were tested in 1976, but the initial design was not entirely successful as several issues with it were identified and a second prototype was built, Z.1YM-003. The new Z.1 was more reliable, quieter, and had better performance. The type was certified. It had a two-bladed main rotor, a single-bladed tail rotor and a fuselage that was not pressurized, powered by a CAIC-manufactured single turbine of the C5WZ series.

In terms of its flight performance, the design was a four-seat, highly advanced aircraft, its most notable performance feature being a low speed take-off characteristic, with the rotor speed and forward speed increasing at a low rate for low speeds, with a maximum of 0.9 knots as the forward speed exceeded the rotor rpm. It featured a rotor that was nearly level with the fuselage, so that a low speed rotor speed was a function of forward speed, allowing this characteristic to be the lowest of the rotorcraft types to date. This allowed the helicopter to fly to very low speeds, for example, on takeoff, with a reasonable amount of forward speed, which was not typical for a piston-engine powered helicopter, but rather the result of turbine powered helicopters. This was one of the first helicopters to fly using one engine. Also, its rotor pitch was fixed at any speed.

Operational history
The type was adopted by the Imperial Kodeshi Army as the KONSAI Z.1QZ as a light reconnaissance and scout helicopter, Initial delivery were made in 1979, with delivers running from 1979 to 1988. It was widely used as a light utility and tactical helicopter by the Imperial Kodeshi Army, Imperial Kodeshi Air Force, Fire fighting, Police, and air rescue. The main advantages of the type was it low-fuel cost, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, compared to older piston engine light helicopters and in the 1970s, it was one of the first helicopter on the market to meet those requirements, and as such, is seen as the "classic" Kodeshi utility light helicopter.

The Z.1 first broke cover at the 1979 Malipo Airshow at the Helicopter Exhibition, and by February 1981, the first civilian production models of the KH.100D were undergoing final quality testing. The first KH.100D was built in December, 1980 by KONSAI. It has a three-blade composite main rotor and a six-blade coaxial tail rotor. The transmission is two-speed, and the main transmission is an all-alloy construction. There was a number of problems with the first KH.100D. Its main rotor blades were not designed to handle the loads on an offshore helicopter, which led to frequent breakdowns, particularly of the main rotor blades. The helicopter also had a number of structural weaknesses, which included poorly designed main rotor blades and poor welding. The structural design of the transmission also resulted in frequent problems with gear teeth failure. These problems with the design and construction of the KH.100D were partly a result of the fact that the main rotor blades were not designed to handle the extreme bending forces on them. To this end, engineers redesigned the rotor assembly in 1981. Once these teething issues were solved the type became a highly successful design.

Future and potential operators
The type has been purchased by a number of military and non-military operators. These operators include the Theyka, which had operated a thirty four fitted with additional domestic Theykan avionics. Deliveries started in 2002 and ended in 2003. Other nations have also indicated their intentions to purchase or lease the helicopter, with private contractor recently signing a contract for two.

Prototype Models

 * KONSAI Z.1YM
 * F = 原型; Yuánxíng ("Prototype"), M = 模型; Móxíng ("Model")
 * Prototype version, one built.

Production Models

 * KONSAI Z.1QZ
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"), Z = 侦察; Zhēnchá ("Reconnaissance")
 * Initial production variant. The light reconnaissance and scout helicopter for the Kodeshi Imperial Kodeshi Army. Initial delivery were made in 19XX. A total of X were built.


 * KONSAI Z.1QS
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"),S = 搜救; Sōujiù ("Search & Rescue")
 * Light search and rescue helicopters for the Imperial Kodeshi Air Force for search and rescue, X built.


 * KONSAI Z.1QJ
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"),J = 教練機; Jiàoliànjī ("Trainer")
 * Unarmed rotary-wing trainer for the for the Kodeshi Imperial Kodeshi Army, X built.


 * KONSAI Z.1QG
 * Q = 轻型; Qīngxíng ("Light"), G = 搜救; Gōngjí ("Attack")
 * Armed military version operates as a light attack helicopter for the Imperial Kodeshi Army, X built.

Civilian Models

 * KONSAI KH.100D
 * D = 多用途; Duō yòngtú ("Multi-purpose")
 * Civil production five-seat version.


 * KONSAI KH.100S
 * S = 搜救; Sōujiù ("Search & Rescue")
 * Search and rescue version.


 * KONSAI KH.100X
 * X = 消防队员; Xiāofáng duìyuán ("Firefighter")
 * Fire fighting version.

Operators
 Kodeshia  Theyka
 * Imperial Kodeshi Air Force
 * Imperial Kodeshi Army
 * Ngāti Tūmatauenga operates 14 Z.1s, fitted with additional avionics installed by the Theykan TAS System. Deliveries started in 2002 and ended in 2003.
 * Te Tauaarangi o Theyka operates 20 Z.1s, fitted with additional avionics installed by the Theykan TAS System. Deliveries started in 2003 and ended in 2004.
 * Whakahau kaha motuhake operates 8 Z.1s, fitted with additional avionics installed by the Theykan TAS System. Deliveries started in 2002 and ended in 2003.