HA-7 Buzard - Aegis Industry
AEGIS HA-7 Buzard
General Information
[b]Manufacturer[/b]
AEGIS Industry / Civil Aviation Division
[b]Category[/b]
Aircraft
[b]Class / Role[/b]
Medium Utility / Civil Transport
[b]Country of Origin[/b]
France (based on Bell UH-1 design)
[b]Introduction / Retirement[/b]
2003 / Still in civil use
[b]Current Status[/b]
In service / Civil export
Overview
The [b]HA-7 Buzard[/b] is a [b]medium-class civil helicopter[/b] developed by [b]Aegis Industry[/b], adapted from the legendary [b]Bell UH-1 “Huey”[/b].
This aircraft blends the [b]robustness and versatility[/b] of its military predecessor with [b]modernized systems, a diesel engine conversion, and simplified maintenance protocols[/b] suited for civil and industrial users.
Designed for [b]transport, aerial work, and emergency missions[/b], the Buzard embodies the AEGIS design philosophy:
[b]Reliability, accessibility, and operational simplicity.[/b]
With its wide cabin, proven mechanical base, and low operating cost, it has become a favorite among private operators, fire departments, and utility companies.
Technical Specifications
[b]Crew[/b]
1 pilot
[b]Capacity / Passengers / Cargo[/b]
5 passengers or equivalent cargo load
[b]Empty / Max / Loaded Weight[/b]
~2,400 kg / 4,100 kg / 4,400 kg
[b]Powerplant[/b]
1 × Cyrano 11-cylinder Diesel engine – enhanced performance version
[b]Power Output[/b]
~1,200 hp equivalent torque output
[b]Propulsion[/b]
Main two-blade rotor + anti-torque tail rotor
[b]Maximum / Cruise Speed[/b]
120 knots (est.) / 110 knots
[b]Range / Endurance[/b]
~200 km / about 2 hours of flight
[b]Fuel Consumption[/b]
50–60 L/h (diesel)
[b]Fuel Capacity[/b]
700 L
[b]Dimensions (L × W × H)[/b]
13.25 m × 2.4 m × 4.5 m
[b]Rotor Diameter[/b]
12 m
[b]Price[/b]
$14,500 (base configuration)
[b]Materials[/b]
Reinforced aluminum structure with composite elements
[b]AEGIS Compatibility[/b]
Standard interfaces for civil modules (Rescue, Survey, Cargo Pack)
Model Specifics
The [b]HA-7 Buzard[/b] was designed as a [b]civil conversion and modernization project[/b] of the UH-1 family, replacing the turbine engine with a [b]Cyrano diesel powerplant[/b] for lower operating costs and increased lifespan.
Main differences from its military ancestor include:
[list]
[] Simplified cockpit instrumentation (analog/digital hybrid)[] Diesel engine conversion for better fuel economy[] Civil-standard avionics and maintenance systems[] Interior refit for modular cargo or passenger seating
[*] Noise and vibration reduction enhancements
[/list]
The result is an aircraft that retains the UH-1’s character — strong, stable, and easy to fly — while being perfectly suited to civil missions.
Performance and Evaluation
The Buzard delivers [b]balanced performance and exceptional cost efficiency[/b].
Its diesel engine ensures reliable operation even under harsh conditions while consuming far less than turbine-based counterparts.
[b]Strengths:[/b]
[list]
[*] Proven UH-1 airframe reliability
[*] Low maintenance and fuel costs
[*] Spacious cabin for cargo or passengers
[*] Easy to operate and repair
[/list]
[b]Weaknesses:[/b]
[list]
[*] Lower top speed than turbine helicopters
[*] Outdated instrumentation compared to newer civil models
[*] Moderate range (~200 km)
[/list]
The HA-7 Buzard excels in [b]industrial transport, regional logistics, aerial survey, and emergency response[/b] roles, offering a rugged and dependable platform for all-purpose missions.
Related Variants
Variant
Designation
Main Features
HA-7 Bzzard
Base model
Civil utility helicopter with diesel engine conversion
AH-7S Seabuzard
SAR version
Rescue variant with IR camera, winch, and illumination flares
[hr]
[i]Developed by AEGIS Industry – Civil Aviation Division[/i]
[i]“Strength in the air — built for every mission.”[/i]
