Hawker De Havilland Limited joined with McDonnel Douglas helicopter company, with others, to develop the MD Explorer helicopter. Hawker designed, developed and manufactured the fuselage, of which this panel is a part.

Hawker De Havillan designed and now manufactures the complete fuselage structure of the McDonnell Douglas MDX helicopter. The fuselage is a blend of advanced composites and metal giving the lightest practical structure in a helicopter which boasts the lowest empty weight fraction of any light helicopter today. The fuselage structure, of which this fuel cell is a part, is assembled at the Fisherman's Bend facility. The assembly comprises sheet metal and machined components and advanced composite components and assemblies produced at Bankstown.

This piece was designated as scrap and subsequently donated to the museum.

Rib from fuel cell, MDX helicopter, carbon fibre, d. McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company, m. Hawker de Havilland Ltd, Australia, 1990-1992.
Moulded panel made of painted black carbon fibre. Both sides spray painted red splotches. Written in white up one side: '0.45 0.44 0.43 0.42 0.425 0.42 0.425 0.43'. Red and white sticker on front: 'QUARANTINED W.I.D./34896'.

Designed: McDonnell Douglas Corporation; United States of America

Designed: McDonnell Douglas Corporation; Bankstown, New South Wales

Made: Hawker De Havilland Limited; Bankstown, New South Wales; 1990 - 1992


Used: Hawker De Havilland Limited; Bankstown, New South Wales

Red and white sticker on front: 'QUARANTINED W.I.D./34896'.

95/110/6

150 mm

17 mm