The Bell 230 Bubble Cover helps reduce damage to the upholstery and avionics caused by excessive heat and can eliminate problems caused by leaking door and window seals. They keep the windshield and window surfaces clean and help prevent vandalism and theft.
The Bubble Cover encloses the entire canopy including the windshield, skylights, and chin bubble Attachment buckles are made of nonmetal Delrin, designed for rugged outdoor use. Both the top and bottom hems of the cover have a special rope-hem feature with which they can be tightened to help prevent abrasive chafing of the windshield. Pockets are sewn into the cover for the temperature probe and pitot tubes. The bubble cover is reinforced with patches at hinge points, door handles, and for the windshield wipers. For ease of installation, the bubble cover is color-coded (red=left, green=right) with color swatches sewn into the corners.
Each Bubble Cover is normally made from Silver Acrylic Sunbrella or Silver Solution-Dyed Polyester and is lined 100% with a soft and smooth microfiber. Bruce's Custom Covers developed this material combination especially for aircraft protection. The outer material is medium weight and treated for water resistance, UV resistance and anti-static buildup. The inner lining is a very soft and smooth microfiber to prevent scratching. The materials are extremely UV reflective, and tests show that the cabin interior temperature can be reduced to near-ambient temperature on even the hottest of days. It is water, ice and snow repellent, yet breathable enough to allow moisture to escape from between the cover and the aircraft surface. Our materials do not contain hydrocarbon compounds that can harm Plexiglas windshields and acrylic finishes. Other colors are available. Please contact us for availability and price. We also have an ultra lightweight material available for fitted hangar dust covers.
The Engine Inlet Plugs are custom fit for your Bell 230 intakes, made with heavy-duty vinyl material, and stuffed with a single block of sculpted urethane foam. Each plug has a zipper that allows the foam to be removed and dried if necessary. Engine plugs have 'Remove Before Flight' streamers sewn onto the face of the plugs. Most plugs are embroidered with the aircraft registration number in black. Engine plugs may be inserted after flight when the engine is still warm. Engine Inlet Plugs are commonly referred to as Cowl Plugs, Intake Plugs, Cowl Blocks, Engine Blocks, and Engine Bungs.
Pitot Tube Covers, made of Naughahyde vinyl, are designed to cover the entire pitot assembly. Slipping on over the tube, the cover tightens around the base with a special Velcro strap detail. A "Remove Before Flight" streamer is attached to the cover. Non-burning Pitot Covers are designed to withstand more than 500° Fahrenheit, and will prevent the pitot cover from melting onto the tube if the pitot heat is accidentally turned on with the pitot cover attached.
Engine Cover details vary by model, but generally these covers are designed to enclose and protect the swash plate, inlet, exhaust and engine access areas. They are designed to tighten up around the main rotor drive shaft and tailboom bottleneck areas, and attach securely with straps either under the belly or to the land gear cross tubes (or both). Delrin buckles are used to tighten the attachment straps. The engine cover is made of Solution-Dyed Polyester or acrylic Sunbrella, and is available in a variety of colors (contact us for details. Specific information for each model is available on request.
The Bell 230 Insulated Engine Cover is made with a thicker, quilted, water-repellent, and breathable material that is insulated on the inside. The Insulated Engine Cover works well in cold climates to help with engine preheating.
Rotor Hub Covers overlaps with the Blade Covers to ensure complete protection for the entire main rotor system. Designed like a jacket with sleeves and no collar, the rotor hub cover fastens together below each blade with Delrin buckles. The Rotor Hub Cover is normally made from Solution-Dyed Polyester.
The Bell 230 Blade Covers are sewn of medium weight Solution-Dyed Polyester. Cut "full" to avoid trim tabs, Blade Covers can be installed from the ground with the aid of lightweight rope which is attached to the open end. Covers are cinched tight at the blade root with straps and quick-release plastic buckles. A small opening at the tip of the cover allows for some air circulation and drainage. For operations in extremely cold weather, the Cold Weather Blade Covers are fitted with full length zippers, and with optional "boots" designed to accept a preheater hose.
Blade Tie-Downs are "socks" which fit over the blade tip with or without Blade Covers installed. Front blade tie-downs have two lengths of rope or strap which attaches to the front cross tubes on either side of the cabin. The other tie-downs have generous lengths of rope or strap to tie the blades down at any convenient spot.
The Bell 230 Tail Rotor Cover is a one-piece design which encloses both the blades and their hub, snapping closed along the bottom edge. The tail rotor cover is normally made from Solution-Dyed Polyester.
Heat shield Interior Reflectors are made of a special laminate of metallic polyester film and closed cell foam. Less than 1/8" thick, the Reflector can roll up and store in a sleeve, yet is stiff enough when flat to stand up against the windshield using the sun visors and window framing only. On some designs no Velcro or suction cups are necessary. Heat shields are an excellent short-term remedy for cockpit overheating, but use the Bubble Cover for more effective and practical long term protection. Heat shields should not be used on polarized windows.
