269/300 Rotorhead Assembly

[Kenny J.]

I'm basically a gyro-head and had flown my experimental gyro (Sparrowhawk conversion) for about 500 hours. I've always had the hots for a McCulloch J-2 gyroplane, which is only one of 2 gyros made that were certified and sold in the U.S., so I sold my experimental and bought a nice J-2. About 90 were made in the early 70s. They are long defunct.

 

From what I gather, the designer of the Hughes 269/300 also designed the McCulloch (Tervamaki, or something like that?). To save certification time, the McCulloch used the 269/300 rotorhead.

 

Along with the purchase of my J-2, part of the package was a brand new, never flown complete rotorhead assembly with tags. In the McCulloch maintenance manual, it appears to be part #6500001, but I'm guessing this is a McCulloch number. I'm also going to assume it's a 269/300 head, because it is one of the few parts/assemblies that do not have a life limit, just an inspection time. Some of the McCulloch parts have as little as a 300 hour life limit.

 

I don't really need the extra head, because if I even thrash the blades, I'm out of business. None are available anymore. If I ever wrecked the head, she's basically beyond repair anyway.

 

I'd like to sell the rotorhead, and I believe if it can be used on a 269/300, it would be worth more than selling it to the owner of one of the few remaining flying J-2s or someone looking to build an experimental helicopter. Anyone here know if it can be used on a Hughes? I didn't bring the head home with me yet, as I just flew the gyro from Little Rock to Charlotte a couple weeks ago, so I don't have access right now to what the tags say. I have a truckload of parts to pick up when I get time. I suppose I could find out from the guy I bought it from as to what the tags say if that would help answer the question. Thanks for any help.

 

Ken J.

kensandyeggo@msn.com

[Kenny J.]

I found out that although they are identical, unless the part number starts with "269," it's not interchangeable with a Hughes. Mine has a McCulloch number.