Schweizer S333 Explained

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.[1] In February 2009, the 333 was rebranded as the Sikorsky S-333.[2] In 2018 the Schweizer R.S.G. bought the Schweizer Aircraft from Sikorsky Aircraft and it was rebranded as Schweizer S333 again.[3]

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.[4] 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.

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.[5]

In February 2008, an improved version of the series, the S-434 was released.[6] [7]

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.[8]

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.
  • 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.[9]

    • Operators

    Non-state operators

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. http://www.sacusa.com/products/333main2.asp Schweizer Aircraft 333 page
    2. Web site: Sikorsky Press Release February 23, 2009 . February 25, 2009 . July 25, 2011 . 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 . dead .
    3. Web site: HOME - Schweizer . Schweizerrsg.com . 2022-05-02.
    4. Frawley, Gerard: The International Directiory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004, page 190. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003.
    5. http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/Frtypen/FRSch333.htm Flug Revue article on the 333
    6. http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/814007 Sikorsky announces launch of Schweizer S-434 Commercial Helicopter at Heli-Expo
    7. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/25/221833/heli-expo-2008-sikorsky-launches-schweizer-434.html Heli-Expo 2008: Sikorsky launches Schweizer 434
    8. Web site: Rotor & Wing Magazine :: Big Plans . www.aviationtoday.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070325013917/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/attack/5347.html . 2007-03-25.
    9. http://aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/departments/rotorcraftreport/16113.html Rotorcraft Report: New Schweizer Model? The Turbine 434
    10. Web site: Escuela de Helicópteros . aeroflight.co.uk . 15 February 2013.
    11. Web site: Dominican Republic Schweizer-333 . Demand media. 17 February 2013.
    12. News: fr. Philippe Chapleau. Philippe Chapleau. DynCorp signe pour cinq nouvelles années de soutien au profit de l'Alat saoudienne . 29 November 2015 . . 2 December 2015.
    13. News: en . Royal Saudi Land Forces . 2015 . http://www.scramble.nl . 2 November 2015 . 25 September 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170925125210/http://www.scramble.nl/orbats/saudi-arabia/army . dead .
    14. Web site: Turkish News - Latest News from Turkey . 2023-12-18 . Hürriyet Daily News . en.
    15. Web site: Contract to Buy 16 Helicopters Signed by Kurdistan R. Govt. - Media monitor . 2023-12-18 . www.ekurd.net.
    16. Web site: Archived copy . 2023-12-18 . 2014-10-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141014194401/http://iwpr.net/report-news/contract-buy-16-helicopters-signed . dead .

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