Schweizer 333

Infobox Aircraft
name = Schweizer 330/333


caption =
type=Light utility and trainer helicopter
manufacturer= Schweizer Aircraft Corporation
first flight= June 14 1988
introduced= 1992
retired=
status= In production
primary user=
more users=
produced=
number built=
unit cost=
developed from = Schweizer 300
variants with their own articles= MQ-8 Fire Scout

The Schweizer 330 and 333 are turbine-powered developments of the Schweizer 300 light piston-powered helicopter. As of 2007, only the Schweizer 333 remains in production. [ [http://www.sacusa.com/products/333main2.asp Schweizer Aircraft 333 page] ]

Development

chweizer 330

In 1987, Schweizer announced development of the Schweizer 330 using the dynamic components, rotors, controls and systems of the 300C; however, it was redesigned with an all-new fuselage.Frawley, Gerard: "The International Directiory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004", page 190. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7] The first 330, converted from a 300C and powered by an Allison 250-C10A, flew on June 14 1988. The FAA certified the aircraft in September 1992.

The improved 330SP was introduced in May 1997 and featured an improved rotor and raised skids, which could be retrofitted to previous 330 models. An Allison (later Rolls-Royce) 250-C20W turboshaft was derated to 165kW (220hp), giving the 330SP excellent hot and high performance, maintaining power output to 18,000 feet.Fact|date=February 2007

chweizer 333

Shortly after the release of the 330, Schweizer began work on upgrading the dynamic components of the Schweizer 330SP. Over two years later, Schweizer released a new variant, the Schweizer 333. Featuring the newly developed dynamic systems components and new-technology rotor blades with a cambered airfoil and a larger diameter, the upgraded helicopter benefited with a greater max gross weight, more useful load, more speed and more hover performance; nearly a 30% increase in performance over the 330SP. Schweizer created a kit to upgrade Model 330 and 330SP aircraft. [ [http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/Frtypen/FRSch333.htm Flug Revue article on the 333] ]

In February 2008, an improved version of the series, the Schweizer S-434, was released. [ [http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/814007 Sikorsky announces launch of Schweizer S-434^TM Commercial Helicopter at Heli-Expo] ] [ [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/25/221833/heli-expo-2008-sikorsky-launches-schweizer-434.html Heli-Expo 2008: Sikorsky launches Schweizer 434] ]

Operational history

Schweizer was purchased on August 26, 2004, by Sikorsky Aircraft. The Schweizer 300/333 models fill a gap in the Sikorsky helicopter line, which is known for its medium and heavy utility and cargo helicopters. Sikorsky has since taken advantage of Schweizer's rapid prototyping technology, originally used during development of the 333 dynamic components and the RQ-8 prototype, to develop the X-2 Technology Demonstrator. [http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/attack/5347.html]

Design

The 330 used the 300C's dynamic components, a Rolls Royce 250 turboshaft engine, and a new four-seat cockpit/cabin and body and new instrumentation

Variants

;330 : Using the 300C dynamic components, Schweizer mounted a Rolls Royce 250-C10A engine to the airframe and developed a new four-seat cockpit/cabin and body. ;330SP : improved rotor and raised skids, Rolls Royce 250-C20W engine.;333 : Featuring new dynamic system components, new rotor blades, and high skids as standard equipment, the 333 has a 30% greater useful load than the 330SP.;MQ-8 Fire Scout : The MQ-8B Fire Scout is an unmannned derivative of the Schweizer 330SP/333 helicopter, with a new fuselage, new fuel system, and UAV electronics and sensors. It also utilizes a new four-bladed rotor system based on that of the Schweizer 333. The Fire Scout is currently in development for the United States Navy's VTUAV program with cooperation from Northrop Grumman. The original RQ-8A was based on the 330SP.;434 : Reportedly based on improvements developed for the MQ-8B, this is a new version of the 333 to be powered by the new Rolls-Royce RR300. Four-bladed main rotor. [ [http://aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/departments/rotorcraftreport/16113.html Rotorcraft Report: New Schweizer Model? The Turbine 434] ]

Operators

pecifications (333)

aircraft specifications
plane or copter?=copter
jet or prop?=prop
ref=International Directory of Civil Aircraft and Technical specifications [ [http://www.sacusa.com/products/pdfs/333_TechData.pdf Technical Data Summary, Model 333] ]
crew= 1-2 pilots
capacity= 1-3 passengers
payload main= 1250 lb
payload alt= kg
length main=(overall) 31 ft 2 in
length alt=9.5 m
span main= 27 ft 6 in
span alt= 8.38 m
height main= 11 ft 0 in
height alt= 3.35 m
area main=
area alt=
airfoil=
empty weight main= 1210 lb
empty weight alt= 549 kg
loaded weight main= lb
loaded weight alt= kg
useful load main=
useful load alt=
max takeoff weight main= 2550 lb
max takeoff weight alt= 1156 kg
more general=
engine (prop)= Rolls-Royce 250-C20W
type of prop=turboshaft
number of props=1
power main= 235 shp
power alt= 175 kW
power original= ; full rating: 420 shp (315 kW)
max speed main=
max speed alt=
cruise speed main= 105 kt
cruise speed alt= 194 km/h
stall speed main=
stall speed alt=
never exceed speed main=
never exceed speed alt=
range main= 319 nm
range alt= 590 km
ceiling main=
ceiling alt=
climb rate main= 1380 ft/min
climb rate alt= 7.01 m/s
loading main=
loading alt=
thrust/weight=
power/mass main=
power/mass alt=
more performance=
armament=
avionics=

References

External links

* [http://www.sacusa.com/Products/333main.asp Schweizer 333 page on SACusa.com]
* [http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/82216eb84dd9bea586257106006cbddb/$FILE/4H12.pdf FAA Type Certificate 4H12]

ee also

aircontent
related=
* Schweizer 300
* MQ-8 Fire Scout
similar aircraft=
* Bell 206
* Enstrom 480
* Robinson R44
* Robinson R66
sequence=
* Schweizer 300 - 330 - 333
lists=
see also=