Schweizer S333
{{Short description|Light helicopter}}
{{Infobox aircraft
|name = Schweizer 330 / S333
|image = File:S.333 D-HSPC.jpg
|caption = Schweizer 333 on the apron
|type=Light utility and trainer helicopter
|manufacturer= Schweizer Aircraft Corporation
Sikorsky Aircraft
|first_flight= June 14, 1988
|introduction= 1992
|retired=
|status= Active In production
|primary_user= Dominican Air Force
|more_users= Royal Saudi Land Forces
|produced= 1988–present
|number_built=
|unit cost=
|developed_from = Schweizer S300
|variants=
|developed_into= MQ-8 Fire Scout
Sikorsky S-434
}}
The Schweizer 330 and S333 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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070531003821/http://www.sacusa.com/products/333main2.asp |date=2007-05-31 }} In February 2009, the 333 was rebranded as the Sikorsky S-333.{{Cite web |url=http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=00de6eb78fa78110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextchannel=162f45d57ef68110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&pressvcmid=cb796928275af110VgnVCM1000004f62529fRCRD |title=Sikorsky Press Release February 23, 2009 |access-date=February 25, 2009 |archive-date=July 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725061259/http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=00de6eb78fa78110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextchannel=162f45d57ef68110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&pressvcmid=cb796928275af110VgnVCM1000004f62529fRCRD |url-status=dead }} In 2018 the Schweizer R.S.G. bought the Schweizer Aircraft from Sikorsky Aircraft and it was rebranded as Schweizer S333 again.{{cite web|url=https://schweizerrsg.com/ |title=HOME - Schweizer |publisher=Schweizerrsg.com |date= |accessdate=2022-05-02}}
Development
=Schweizer 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 165 kW (220 hp), giving the 330SP excellent hot and high performance, maintaining power output to 18,000 feet.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}
=Schweizer 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 rotor, the upgraded helicopter benefited from 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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615015744/http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/FRTypen/FRSch333.htm |date=2007-06-15 }}
In February 2008, an improved version of the series, the S-434 was released.[http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/814007 Sikorsky announces launch of Schweizer S-434 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]
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.
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.{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/attack/5347.html |title=Rotor & Wing Magazine :: Big Plans |website=www.aviationtoday.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325013917/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/attack/5347.html |archive-date=2007-03-25}}
Variants
File:Fire Scout unmanned helicopter crop.jpg]]
;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 : Schweizer’s s333 turbine-powered aircraft features a 1,250 lb. useful load, making it a versatile platform for everything from military training and public service to personal use. With three- and four-seat configurations, this helicopter is an ideal initial turbine aircraft with lower direct operating costs comparable to other light turbine helicopters.{{Cite web |title=4-Seater Helicopter Guide: Price Ranges, Best Uses and Options |url=https://schweizerrsg.com/announcement/4-seater-helicopter-guide-price-ranges-best-uses-and-options/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Schweizerrsg |language=en-US}}
;RQ-8/MQ-8 Fire Scout : The Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout is an unmanned 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.
;Sikorsky S-434 : Based on improvements developed for the MQ-8B, this is a new version of the 333, having a four-bladed main rotor.[http://aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/departments/rotorcraftreport/16113.html Rotorcraft Report: New Schweizer Model? The Turbine 434] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201183252/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/departments/rotorcraftreport/16113.html |date=2008-12-01 }}
Operators
;{{DOM}}
- Dominican Air Force{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/dominican_rep/DomRep-af-EscdeHel.htm |title= Escuela de Helicópteros |publisher= aeroflight.co.uk |access-date=15 February 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Dominican-Republic--/Schweizer-333-(269D)/0738570/M/&sid=68a5c69f2682550cf32b7124a4e27fdb |title= Dominican Republic Schweizer-333 |publisher= Demand media|access-date=17 February 2013}}
; {{SAU}}
- Saudi Arabian Army{{cite news|language=fr|author=Philippe Chapleau|author-link=Philippe Chapleau|title=DynCorp signe pour cinq nouvelles années de soutien au profit de l'Alat saoudienne |url=http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2015/11/29/dyncorp-signe-pour-cinq-nouvelles-annees-de-soutien-au-profi-15188.html |date=29 November 2015 |agency=Ouest-France |access-date=2 December 2015}}{{cite news |language=en |title=Royal Saudi Land Forces |url=http://www.scramble.nl/orbats/saudi-arabia/army |date=2015 |website=www.scramble.nl |access-date=2 November 2015 |archive-date=25 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925125210/http://www.scramble.nl/orbats/saudi-arabia/army |url-status=dead }}
=Non-state operators=
- Peshmerga & Ministry of Interior Aviation{{Cite web |title=Turkish News - Latest News from Turkey |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=Hürriyet Daily News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Contract to Buy 16 Helicopters Signed by Kurdistan R. Govt. - Media monitor |url=http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2006/7/mediamonitor97.htm |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=www.ekurd.net}}{{Cite web |url=http://iwpr.net/report-news/contract-buy-16-helicopters-signed |title=Archived copy |access-date=2023-12-18 |archive-date=2014-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014194401/http://iwpr.net/report-news/contract-buy-16-helicopters-signed |url-status=dead }}
Specifications (333)
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=International Directory of Civil Aircraft and Technical specifications{{citation |url=http://www.sacusa.com/products/pdfs/333_TechData.pdf |title=Technical Data Summary, Model 333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726022244/http://www.sacusa.com/products/pdfs/333_TechData.pdf |archive-date=2007-07-26 }}|prime units?=kts
|crew=1–2
|capacity=1–3 passengers
|length ft=31
|length in=2
|length note=overall
|width ft=
|width in=
|width note=
|height ft=11
|height in=0
|height note=
|empty weight lb=1210
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=2460
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=2550
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=Rolls-Royce M250-C20W
|eng1 type=turboshaft engine
|eng1 shp=235
|eng1 note=
|rot number=1
|rot dia ft=27
|rot dia in=6
|rot area sqft=594
|rot area note=(blade section: NACA 0015 modified{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}})
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=105
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=319
|range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ftmin=1380
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}
See also
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{Aircontent
|related=
|similar aircraft=
|lists=
|see also=
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References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|Schweizer 330/333}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070628110714/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/$FILE/4H12.pdf FAA Type Certificate 4H12] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125015721/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/82216eb84dd9bea586257106006cbddb/$FILE/4H12.pdf |date=2017-01-25 }}
{{Schweizer aircraft}}
{{Sikorsky Aircraft}}
Category:1980s United States helicopters
Category:1980s United States civil utility aircraft