RotorWay International

Infobox Company
name = RotorWay International

type = Privately owned company
foundation = 1961
founder = B.J. Schramm
location_city = Chandler, Arizona
location_country = United States
locations = 11 worldwide
origins = Arizona
key_people = Grant Norwitz, CEOBill Adams, COOJudy Craven, CFO
industry = Helicopters, Aviation, Engineering, Manufacturing
products = Kit Helicopters
num_employees = ~250
parent = RotorWay Aviation
homepage = http://www.rotorway.com

RotorWay International, located in Chandler, Arizona, is a major manufacturer of low-cost, high-performance, kit helicopters. The company was founded by B.J. Schramm in 1961 as RotorWay Aircraft. RotorWay International was bought February 14, 2007 by a small group of investors comprising the company's upper level management — Grant Norwitz, CEO, Bill Adams, COO, and Judy Craven, CFO.

Currently, RotorWay produces the Exec 162F as well as the A600 Talon.

History

1960-70

In 1961, RotorWay's founder, B.J. Schramm, tested the company's first prototype, the Javelin. The Javelin used a Convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on motorcycle engine, and was the forerunner of RotorWay's first production helicopter, the Scorpion, which was offered in 1967.

The Scorpion, priced at $6,300 (not including the cost of the engine), was the first real kit helicopter on the market that flew. The Scorpion was intended for the sport-flying public, rather than the commercial market and this dictated the cost and weight of the aircraft. Originally, costs were intended to be under $10,000, but inflation changed that. The original Scorpion weighed between 1200 and 1300 pounds. It featured a standard gear reduction drive, a semi-articulated two-bladed rotor system, and a one-person capacity.

1970-79

An improved version of the Scorpion was introduced in 1971. Among the modifications in the new version were all-aluminum rotor blades, a Convert|115|hp|kW|0|abbr=on OMC 2-cycle engine (Evinrude Vulcan V-4 outboard motor) and a heavier drive system (shafts and bearings).

In 1971, the Scorpion II was introduced with an OMC Convert|125|hp|kW|0|abbr=on, 2 cycle engine which provided enough power to fly two lightweight people, unlike previous versions.

In 1974, the company eliminated the 2 cycle engine and, unable to find a manufacturer to make their 4-cycle engine suitable for the helicopter, began production of their own engine. This engine, called the RotorWay RW 133, was a 4-cycle 4-stroke engine that was able to provide a cruise speed of convert|80|mi/h|km/h|-1|abbr=on with a range of convert|120|mi|km|0 and a useful load of 420 pounds.

The RW 133 engine was installed in the Scorpion II, which was renamed the Scorpion 133. The Scorpion 133 had a list price of $13,500, a gross weight of 1235 lb, and a range of 130 nautical miles (79 nautical miles with two people).

1980-1989

In 1980, RotorWay introduced the RW145 engine, and the Exec helicopter. This was the first helicopter produced by RotorWay that strived to get away from the "kit helicopter" look. Unlike previous helicopters, the Exec did not have an exposed frame or exposed engine and far more attention was given to the aesthetics of the aircraft.

1982 marked the introduction of the asymmetrical rotor blade, enabling the craft to climb to higher altitudes and making the blade resistant to erosion, but with a risk of losing the aircraft if the engine quit.The Elete helicopter was designed during the late 80's, and had a Convert|152|hp|kW|0|abbr=on engine with a maximum payload of 400 pounds, cruise speed of convert|113|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on and maximum airspeed of convert|130|mi/h|km/h|-1|abbr=on. After selling just three Elete helicopters, the company succumbed to financial challenges and was purchased by a former customer, John Netherwood, and stopped production of the Elete helicopter due to design hurdles and financial constraints on the company.

The RW152 engine was manufactured in 1984.

1990-Present

In 1990 RotorWay Aircraft underwent reorganization and changed its name to RotorWay International.

The design and production of the Exec series helicopters began in the early 1990s, starting with the Exec 90. The Exec 90 contained the RI 162 engine, and, unlike previous helicopter kits, much of the assembly, including the welding, was done at the factory. The Exec 90 was followed by the Exec 162F in 1994.

The Exec 162F, with some improvements to the FADEC system and the ACIS, is still being produced and sold by RotorWay.

In July 2007, RotorWay announced the development of the A600 Talon. The A600 Talon features an updated FADEC system, an all-glass cockpit, a cog-belt replacing the primary drive chain, and a larger landing gear, among other features.

Business Practices and Expansion

Although it is the third largest helicopter manufacturer in the United States, RotorWay has established a factory in South Africa that manufactures ready-made helicopters in addition to kits. RotorWay has also begun the process of expanding into the certified helicopter market, and plans on making major changes, including the creation of a separate engine manufacturing company.

Awards and Recognition

* 2005 Exec 162F is named Oshkosh AirVenture grand champion.
* 2004 Exec 162F is named Oshkosh AirVenture gold lindy grand champion, silver lindy reserve grand champion, and a model wins for outstanding workmanship.
* 2003 Exec 162F wins Oshkosh AirVenture grand champion and reserve grand champion.
* 2002 Exec 162F wins Oshkosh AirVenture reserve grand champion and for outstanding workmanship.
* 2001 Exec 162F wins Oshkosh AirVenture reserve grand champion, champion, and outstanding workmanship.
* 2000 HAI Aviation Repair Specialist Award for work done on the FADEC system.
* 1999 Finalist for the Flight International's Aerospace Industry Awards, in the category of Corporate and General Aviation.

* RotorWay Exc 162 was featured on Discovery Channel show "A Chopper is Born".

See also

* Homebuilt aircraft

External links

* [http://www.rotorway.com RotorWay International]
* [http://www.rotorwayownersgroup.com/ Rotorway Owner's Group] aircraft type club