There are frequent references to the crashworthiness of the Hughes/MD 500
series versus the JetRanger/LongRanger/407 series, to the detriment of the
latter. However, if you consult the statistical record, the risk of serious
injury per 100,000 flying hours in the 500 series is several times higher
than that in the Bells. Much of that difference is attributable to the
forgiving qualities of the old teetering head rotor system, but the stats
continue to favor Bell even in the newer models. One reason for this is the
greater probability of rollover in the 500 series, and a related problem is
the greater risk of fire.

Jim

"Helowriter" wrote in message
oups.com...
The fact that the Army seems determined to get rid of the OH-58D says
something about its perceived survivability in the armed recon mission.
The 407 is a different aircraft, and with the new engine will be
pretty far from an OH-58D, but at heart it's still got the
crashworthiness of a JetRanger.

UAV's will someday be a powerful adjunct to manned scout aircraft, but
they're not there yet, and the doctrine of Armed UAVs for urban combat
is still coming. Right now, I'd favor a Little Bird derivative for
ARH.

HW