ROTORWAY LAUNCHES TWO-SEAT TURBINE HELO

30 Jul 2009

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Rotorway CEO Grant Norwitz unveils the new Eagle 300T at the EAA AirVenture.

KIT manufacturer Rotorway has launched its first helicopter to be sold only as a type-certificated aircraft – a turbine-powered two-seater called the Eagle 300T.

The helicopter is powered by the RR300B1 turbine from Rolls-Royce – a similar engine to that fitted to the five-seat Robinson R66 announced last February. A prototype of the 300T was unveiled today at the EAA AirVenture being held at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, a year after Rotorway and Rolls-Royce said the project was on. First flight for the aircraft is expected to be in early 2010.

Click here to see the launch of the Rotorway Eagle 300T on LOOP TV (opens in new window)
 
Rotorway boss Grant Norwitz told LOOP that the Eagle 300T is aimed at a niche in the initial turbine training market, and that it will be the most cost-effective way for a professional pilot to gain turbine hours. It will also be able to train pilots for the all-important cargo-sling operations, “even with two heavy pilots on board”.

There should certainly be plenty of power. The 300T will have a gross weight of 2050lb, with a useful load of 1100lb. Fuel capacity will be 80 US gallons giving two hours endurance with a 30-minute reserve – but with a payload like that, auxiliary fuel tanks giving longer endurance are likely.

Performance is quoted as 110kt cruise, with a service ceiling of 13,000ft. The RR300 engine has a max output of 300shp, with a max continuous output of 240shp though Rotorway says this is more likely to be derated to around the 180-200shp mark.

No price is being given yet though Grant Norwitz said when asked, “I’ll give a Frank Robinson answer… It will be more than an R22 but less than an R66!”

W: www.rotorway.com


Grant Norwitz of Rotorway and Ken Roberts of Rolls-Royce sign the agreement for RR to supply engines for the 300T.



 

 

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