Primarily developed from the four-seat Model 280L Hawk, the Eagle prototype, based on a converted 280FX airframe, flew for the first time in December 1988 followed by a definitive aircraft (N8631E) on 7 October 1989. Announced in February 1990, the Eagle is powered by an Allison 250 turboshaft and the type was working up for FAA certification late in 1990 with customer deliveries to follow in 1991. A three-seat version, designated TH-28, has been proposed by Enstrom for the US Army's New Training Helicopter (NTH) programme currently under evaluation.

D.Donald "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft", 1997

Proof-of-concept 280FX, powered by Allison 250-C20W turbine engine, flown December 1988, first flight of wide-cabin 480/TН-28 prototype (N8631E) in October 1989; second 480/TH-28 (production prototype) flew December 1991; TH-28 FAA certified September 1992 (three-seat), 480 FAA certified in June 1993 and recertified to FAR Pt 27 in December 1994.

CURRENT VERSIONS:

• 480: Initial version. Five-seat (two plus three) configuration with staggered seating for forward visibility from all seats. Easily reconfigured to three seats for training or executive transport; or pilot's seat only for transporting light cargo. Instrument panel centrally located above avionics console.
• 480B: Certification received 8 February 2001; UK CAA certification achieved August 2003; compared to 480 has increased gross weight and improved transmission, incorporates cyclic control and airframe vibration damping, providing significant improvement in comfort. Prototype, N480EN exhibited at NBAA Convention, New Orleans, October 2000.
• Guardian: Dedicated police patrol/security version.
• TH-28: Prototype (N8631E) first flew 7 October 1989. Specially configured as a training light patrol helicopter: unique features include three crashworthy seats, crashworthy fuel system, and a large instrument panel which will accommodate dual instrumentation for either VFR or IFR training. Seating configuration allows training of two students simultaneously.

CUSTOMERS: Production began in 1994 with initial deliveries to Europe. By June 2002, 43 480, 10 480B and four TH-28 had been registered. Final TH-28 produced in 1993 and delivered to China in 1993. Nine 480B delivered by mid-2003. Certified and operating in 14 countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK and USA. In addition, 480 are also operating in Burkina Faso and Russian Federation. Recent customers include the Indonesian Police which ordered 18 480B in 2003.

COSTS: US$639,500 for 48OB basically equipped (2003); TH-28 price on application. Description generally as for F28/280, except that below (for 480B).

DESIGN FEATURES: High-inertia, three-blade, fully articulated main rotor system with upgraded and sturdier main rotor gearbox than piston models; larger tail rotor; unboosted flight controls and high skid gear are standard equipment. Rotor speed 372 rpm nominal; 385 rpm maximum permissible; anti-nodal vibrating cantilever beam to damp vibration at low speeds. Extensive crash worthiness and safety features incorporated into basic design. The 480B cabin layout can be quickly reconfigured to seat one, three or five persons.

POWER PLANT: One 313kW Rolls-Royce 250-C20W turboshaft engine derated to 227kW for take-off and 207kW for continuous operation. Engine air inlet particle separator is standard. Fuel capacity 340 litres in two interconnected tanks.

ACCOMMODATION: Options include air conditioning (two or three evaporator system). Baggage compartment in tailboom.

EQUIPMENT: Optional equipment include emergency pop-out floats, air conditioning and cargo hook rated for external loads up to 454kg; 480B can also be fitted with police patrol equipment including special police radios, searchlight, siren/PA system, FLIR and data recording facility.

Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 2004-2005

Technical data for Enstrom 480 Crew: 1, passengers: 3, engine: 1 x Allison 250-C20W turboshaft, rated at 212kW, main rotor diameter: 9.75m, length: 8.92m, height: 2.79m, take-off weight: 1202kg, empty weight: 671kg, max speed: 203km/h, cruising speed: 185km/h, ceiling: 4570m, range: 676km