RotorWay Aircraft Inc.
Two seats
The RotorWay Scorpion was designed by B.J. Schramm and manufactured in kit form. RotorWay grew to become the largest kit helicopter company in the world, reputed to have sold some 5,000 Scorpion kits. The company offered flight and maintenance training in Arizona.
In 1972 the Scorpion II was introduced with an OMC 125 hp, two-cycle engine, but overhaul times were not up to desired levels.
In 1974 the company embarked on a major redesign with the goal of reducing the amount of maintenance time per hour of flight, resulting in the Scorpion 133. The two-cycle engine was eliminated in favor of a four-cycle engine – the RW133 that RotorWay built.
An unusual feature of the control system is that the collective and cyclic pitch controls are kept completely distinct by using flexible push/pull cables for control separation.
The Scorpion 133 sales brochure states that no airport is needed: the aircraft can be flown from an infinite number of sites, it fits comfortably alongside the car in most garages, and it is lightweight for easy transportation.
Production of the Scorpion series ended in 1984. RotorWay currently produces the A600, a two-person, 1,500 lbs., 90 mph kit helicopter.
The Museum owns two Scorpions. The green Model 133 has 50 flight hours.
| Aircraft Specifications | Model 133 (Green) |
|---|---|
| Rotor Diameter | 24 ft |
| Gross Weight | 1,125 lbs (435 lbs Payload) |
| Engine | RotorWay 140 hp |
| Speed | 75 mph |
| Fuselage Length | 20 ft 3 in |
| Height | 7 ft 3 in |
| Empty Weight | 750 lbs |
| Acquisition Source (Green) | Lt. Col. William E. Pohlmann, Ret. |
| Aircraft Specifications | Model II (Pearl Blue) |
|---|---|
| Engine | Evinrude 125 hp 4 cylinder 2 cycle |
| Acquisition Source | Lew Pinnella |