Light Helicopters
Enstrom 280FX Shark
ICAO: EN28
Overview
The Enstrom 480B is a light turbine helicopter developed as a more powerful alternative to the F28 series. Designed for flight training, patrol, and utility roles, it combines compact dimensions with improved performance. The aircraft has been adopted by both civilian and military operators.
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Rolls Royce 250-C20W
- Engine type
- Turbine
- Thrust
- 420 lbf · 2 kN
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 5
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 5 ft 7 in · 1.70 m
- Cabin height
- 3 ft 3 in · 1.00 m
- Cabin length
- 6 ft 7 in · 2.00 m
- Exterior length
- 30 ft 2 in · 9.20 m
- Tail height
- 8 ft 6 in · 2.60 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 6 ft 3 in · 1.90 m
- Wing span
- 32 ft 0 in · 9.75 m
- Baggage volume
- 35 ft³ · 1.0 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 3,000 lb · 1,350 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 1,200 lb · 550 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 90 gal · 300 L · 300 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 115 kt · 132 mph · 213 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 370 nm · 430 mi · 690 km
- Fuel burn
- 4.11 nm/gal · 2.01 km/L
- Ceiling
- 15,600 ft · 4,800 m
- Rate of climb
- 1,600 ft/min · 8 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
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Operational Context
Enstrom 480B — light turbine utility helicopter
The 480 series was introduced in the 1990s as Enstrom’s entry into the turbine-powered helicopter market. The 480B variant incorporated updated avionics and systems while retaining the company’s characteristic rotor design. It entered service as a versatile platform suited for training and light operational duties.
Powered by a Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20W turboshaft engine producing approximately 420 shaft horsepower, the 480B cruises at about 120 knots (220 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg). The helicopter maintains a three-blade rotor configuration for stable flight characteristics.
The 480B has been used by law enforcement agencies and by military training programs seeking a light turbine platform. Its combination of compact size and turbine reliability distinguishes it within its category. The model continues Enstrom’s tradition of durable light helicopter production.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.