Soloy is firing up new re-engining programmes for the Cessna 206H and Eurocopter AS350. The 206H programme improves on the company's existing turbine conversion for the Cessna piston single by using a 450shp (335kW) Rolls-Royce 250-B17F/2 instead of the 420shp 250-C20, writes Graham Warwick.
The change from a 250-C20 turboshaft to -B17F turboprop increases hot-and-high performance, says Soloy president David Stauffer. The conversion also introduces a full-reversing, beta-range Hartzell propeller; increases payload by reducing empty weight up to 45kg (100lb) ; and improves visibility over the nose, as the engine is longer and narrower and the propeller centreline is lower.
Target price for the Turbine 206H is $700,000, with new engine and late-model airframe, and Soloy has taken its first two deposits on the conversion. The first aircraft is set to arrive at the company's Olympia, Washington plant early this month, leading to supplemental type certification by the end of 2005.
Re-engining of the AS350B2 helicopter with Honeywell's LTS101-700D-2 turboshaft is scheduled for certification by mid-year. The -700D provides 14% more take-off power and 18% higher hot-day power than the Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 powering the AS350B2. The Super B2 conversion costs $290,000 using an engine with more than 50% overhaul life remaining and $340,000 using a fully overhauled LTS101.
Soloy already offers an R-R 250-C30M re-engining option for the Arriel 1B-powered AS350B/BA and LTS101-600-powered AS350D, under the Allstar name. Last year the company acquired Eagle Helicopters' Super D conversion for the Eurocopter helicopter. This re-engines the AS350B/BA and AS350D with the upgraded LTS101-600A-3A.
Source: Flight International
