History
RotorWay.
RotorWay was founded in 1961 in Chandler, Arizona, USA. In 2007, the company underwent ownership changes. In 2015, the company name was changed from RotorWay International to RotorWay Helicopter Manufacturing Company.
The company’s goal was to build small, two-person, self-assembly helicopters, the so-called kit helicopters. The first model of the helicopter began to be produced in 1967. The helicopter is called the Javelin and used a 40 HP (30 kW) motorcycle engine. In production, the helicopter was named Scorpion. The Scorpion helicopter was priced at US $ 6,300, without an engine.
In 1971, the company introduced another model, which received a two-stroke engine with a capacity of 115 HP (86 kW). In 1974, more powerful four-stroke engines were introduced.
The company was successful due to good designs, high-quality components and reasonable prices, not only the purchase price, but also the operating costs. The kit helicopter gave a large group of users the joy of flying a helicopter.
RotorWay International developed the engines for its construction itself. The company also conducts aviation training for helicopter pilots. They were also the first to introduce the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) system to kit helicopters. The ECU system is modular, which ensures easy installation in the helicopter.
Exes.
In 1980, RotorWay introduced the RW145 engine and a new helicopter model, the Exec. In 1982, an asymmetric rotor blade was introduced, which allowed for elevation to greater heights. The blades are made of plastic and are more resistant to erosion and allow a safer emergency landing with autorotation.
In 1990, the Exec 90 model was put into production. Unlike previous models, the assembly of the helicopter is more limited and easier. The more powerful RI 162 engine was introduced to the drive. In 1994, the Exec 162F model appeared. Exec 90 helicopters were produced until 2011.
A.600.
In July 2007, RotorWay announced the development of the A600 Talon helicopter. As of 2017, the company named the helicopter A600, dropping the name Talon for marketing purposes.
In its history, the company tried to build a four-seat helicopter. however, its serial production was not launched. A turbine-powered helicopter was also built instead of an internal combustion engine. The Solar T-62 engine was used as the drive, which serves as an APU in commercial aircraft.
Construction
The RotorWay Exec 162F helicopter is an amateur, tourist, two-person machine, powered by a piston engine. The airframe is made of plastic based on a steel structure. Side-by-side cabin. Helicopter piloting is possible from both seats.
Engine.
RotorWay RI 162F engine, four-cylinder, 150 HP (112 kW).
Data T-T RotorWay Exec 162F:
Length 22 ft (6.71 m). Height 8 ft (2.44 m). Main rotor diameter 25 ft (7.62 m). Main rotor area 380 sq ft (35.4 m2). Curb weight 975 lb (442 kg). Maximum weight 1,500 lb (680 kg). Top speed 115 mph (100 knots, 185 km / h). Cruising speed of 95 mph (82 knots, 153 km / h). Range 180 mi (156 nm, 290 km). Flight time up to 2 hours.
Tally
Several RotorWay Exec 162F helicopters are in operation in Poland by private users. The helicopters were sold by the company "Aero-Kros" sp. Z o.o. in Krosno. There are also many offers for the sale of used helicopters on the market.
There are also several A.600 helicopters in Poland, which were called Talon, and are a development of the RotorWay Exec 162F helicopters.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman