RotorWay Exec explained
The
RotorWay Exec is a family of
American two-bladed, skid-equipped, two-seat kit
helicopters, manufactured by
RotorWay International of
Chandler, Arizona and supplied in
kit form for amateur-construction.
Design and development
The Exec 162F is the latest in the Exec series of helicopters manufactured by RotorWay International.
The RotorWay Scorpion design was updated with an aluminum tail and full fiberglass cockpit enclosure to become the Exec.[1] The Exec 90 was developed in the early 1990s, it was, at the time, the only piston-powered helicopter to utilize an asymmetrical airfoil for improved autorotation characteristics and safety.
In 1994, a fuel injection system with electronic ignition, and FADEC was added to the Exec 90, producing the Exec 162F.
Unlike most U.S.-designed helicopters, the main rotor on the Exec 162F rotates clockwise, as seen from above.
The Exec series was further developed into the RotorWay A600 Talon, which replaced the Exec in production.[2]
Operational history
Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham has a custom-painted Rotorway Exec 162F with his name and a picture of Walter on the aircraft.[3]
Variants
- Rotorway Windstar
Four place development that was cancelled.
- RotorWay Exec 90
Introduced in 1990, improvement of the original RotorWay Exec, Electronic ignition, eyebrow windows, elastomeric control head.[4]
- RotorWay Exec 162F
FADEC improved model.[5] [6]
- AvioTecnica ES-101 Raven
In 1996 AvioTecnica of Italy marketed the Exec as the ES-101 Exec with a turbine engine instead of the piston engine. In 2004 it produced an improved variant it named the Aviotechnica ES-101 Raven powered by a modified Solar T-62-A turboshaft. Other improvements include carbon-fibre rotor blades, a two-piece windscreen and later models have a digital cockpit.
- Alpi Syton AH 130
The Raven design was taken over by Alpi Aviation in late 2008 and the aircraft further developed into the Alpi Syton AH 130.
- Hillberg Turbine Exec
A turbine conversion using the Solar T62 auxiliary power unit (APU) made by Hillberg Helicopters of Fountain Valley, California in the 1990s.[7] See also
References
- Taylor, Michael J.H. (ed.). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000. London:Brassey's, 1999. .
- Jackson, Paul (ed) Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2008-2009. Coulsdon, Surrey, England:Jane's Information Group, 2008.
External links
Notes and References
- Air Progress. August 1989. Executive Privilege. Peter Lert.
- Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 194. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- Web site: Jeff Dunham and Walter in their helicopter. 2010-01-24. Country Music Television. . September 2007.
- Flying. August 1991. 118. 8. George . Fred . Exec 90 back on course . 112–114.
- Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 189 and 194. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 329. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998.
- Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 325. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998.
