Back to Top

The OH58D Bubble Cover encloses the entire canopy including the windshield, skylights, chin bubble, front and rear doors and windows. The cover attaches at 4 points. A strap at each upper rear corner attaches to the support tube inside the engine access doors. A strap at each lower rear corner attaches to the rear cross-tube. Attachment buckles are made of non-metal 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 insure against wind-blown chaffing. Pockets are sewn into the cover for both the temperature probe and pitot tube. For ease of installation, bubble covers are color-coded (red=left, green=right) with color swatches sewn into the corners.

The Windshield Cover is a shortened version of the bubble cover. It encloses the windshield, chin bubbles, and part of the skylights and front side windows. The windshield cover attaches on either side to the forward cross-tube with straps and adjustable Delrin buckles. Like the bubble cover, it is running light color-coded with rope-hem tightening, and there are pockets for the temperature probe and pitot tube.

Windshield and Bubble Covers are made of nylon Silver Laminate. Bruce's Custom Covers developed Silver Laminate especially for aircraft protection. The outer material is a medium weight nylon treated for ultraviolet resistance and anti-static buildup. The inner lining is brushed nylon tricot knit. Silver Laminate is extremely reflective. Tests show that the cabin interior temperature can be reduced by as much as 25 degrees. It is water, ice and snow repellent, yet it is breathable enough to allow moisture to escape from between the cover and the windshield surface. Silver Laminate contains no hydrocarbon compounds which can harm plexiglass windshields and acrylic finishes.

The Engine Cover forms a "saddle" over the engine area to enclose the intakes, swash plate, exhaust, engine and oil cooling screens. It fastens on either side to the front and rear cross-tubes, and to the rear beneath the tail rotor boom "bottleneck". It is color-coded with rope-hem tightening. The engine cover is made of durable heavy weight nylon. This material is extremely abrasion resistant, water repellent and lightweight.

Blade Covers are sewn of medium weight nylon pack cloth. 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 Delrin buckles. A small opening at the tip of the cover allows for some air circulation and drainage. For operations in extremely cold weather, blade covers can be fitted with full length zippers, or with "boots" designed to accept a pre-heater hose.

The Rotor Hub Cover overlaps with the blade covers to insure complete protection for the entire main rotor hub and hub-mount sensor array. It is made of heavy weight nylon and fastens securely with Velcro and Delrin buckles.

Blade Tie-Downs are made for both the front and rear blade positions. The tie-downs are "socks" which fit over the blade tip with or without blade covers installed. The front blade tie-down has long straps with adjustable Delrin buckles which attach to the front cross-tubes, front step bracket, or front skid tie-down rings. The rear blade tie-down has two straps with weighted ends.

The Tail Rotor Cover is a one-piece design which fits over the blades and hub, fastening with snaps along its bottom edge. Made of medium weight nylon, tabs have been sewn into the tips of the cover so that it may be tied down in high winds.

Intake Plugs, Exhaust Covers and Pitot Covers are made of durable red Naugahyde reinforced vinyl. They are designed to protect the helicopter's most vital components quickly, easily and thoroughly. These covers can be ordered as a kit with a storage bag included.

HeatShield Interior Reflectors are made of a special laminate of metallized polyester film and closed cell foam. Less than 1/8" thick, the reflector is stiff enough when flat to stand up against the windshield using the sunvisors and window framing only. On some designs Velcro fasteners are necessary. HeatShields roll up and store in a sleeve, yet retain a memory to be flat whenever they are needed. HeatShields are an excellent short-term remedy for cockpit overheating, but the Canopy Cover offers a more effective and practical solution.