Hansen H.73 Drage

The Hansen H.73 Drage (Anglic: Kite) is a Ringeriker light transport, utility, scout and attack helicopter introduced into service in 1973 with the Ringerike Army Air Corps. It was originally powered by a single Hansen GT66 Gas Turbine Engine, however updated/foreign produced models differ. It also features a distinctive Fenestron in place of a conventional tail rotor. Several variants have been produced to fill a wide variety of roles including models aimed at the civil aviation market.

Sorland War
Shortly after it's introduction, a number of H.73s were transported to Sorland for use by Colonial and Garrison forces. Shortly after the outbreak of the Sorland War the H.73 saw it's combat debut, providing close air support and transport for the withdrawing Ringeriker forces. A number also escaped across the border to New Valentina from where they carried out a high volume of tasks ranging from non-combatant evacuation to Forward Air Control and Artillery Observation.

Ringeriker Variants

 * H.73: Standard variant fitted for light transport and utility roles, the variant could also be fitted in short order for Air Observation and Forward Air Control duties.
 * H.73NR: Updated scout variant fitted with a variety of sensors including Electro-Optical and Thermal sights on outboard pylons. Still capable of light transport and other utility roles.
 * H.73A: Light Gunship Variant designed to integrate the Panservernmissil m/66 Anti-Tank Guided missile, controlled via a sight mounted in a rotating chin turret along with a Kjederifle m/71 6.5x55mm Chain Gun and a series of other armaments, updated in the early 90s to integrate the Panservernmissil m/85.
 * Hansen Drage 75: A variant designed for the civil market featuring a slightly stretched cabin area to improve passenger comfort.

Chezzetcooker Variants

 * Nieuport-Saulnier Drage U: Utility variant broadly similar to the standard production Ringeriker model used for training, utility and medevac roles.
 * Nieuport-Saulnier Drage A: Light Attack/Anti-Tank variant integrating a number of Chezzetcooker weapon and sighting systems.

Operators
 Ringerike
 * Ringerike Hær: The Ringerike Army operates several variants of the H.73 in Light Attack, Scout and Utility roles.
 * Luftforsvaret The Ringerike Royal Air Force operates the H.73 for rotary training and liaison/utility duties.
 * Kongelig Marine The Royal Ringerike Navy operates the H.73 for rotary training and shore based utility roles.

 Theyka
 * Te Tauaarangi o Theyka: Operates 48 H.73s in reserve service, of an original order of 137.

 Chezzetcook
 * Armée Nationale: Operates the H.73 in several license-produced models constructed by Nieuport-Saulnier.