SCHWEIZER AIRCRAFT reports strong interest in its Model 300CB training helicopter, fuelled by fears that the Robinson R22 could be grounded because of safety concerns. The 300CB will be launched formally at the Heli-Expo '95 in Las Vegas, Nevada, in late January.
Elmira, New York-based Schweizer says that the new version of its Model 300C piston-powered helicopter will have a life-cycle cost over five years "...close to or less than" that of the R22, the most widely used training helicopter. To reduce cost, the 300C's 170kW (225hp) fuel-injected Textron Lycoming HIO-360 is replaced with a 135kW HO-360, with gross weight reduced by 15% and component life-limits extended.
The 300CB retains the basic helicopter's fully articulated three-blade rotor. Concerns over R22 safety centre on the flight characteristics of the type's teetering two-blade rotor (Flight International, 18-24 January). Schweizer says that it has been "inundated" with calls since news of the launch of the company's 300CB leaked out.
Source: Flight International
