RotorSchmiede – ultralightweight / ultra sophisticated

Great news: We are one big step closer to the PTF of the RotorSchmiede VA250 ultralight. We finished ground runs with in sum more than 30 hours as per German certification specifications. Rotor and control system were tested succesfully. Additonally, the propulsion and cooling systems also proved their reliability. We'll continue with structural testing of sub-assemblies now. ... See more

It should be summer again.

Measuring data for showing the efficiency of the VA250 cooling system.

As already known from the VA115, the VA250 follows our tradition of delivering unlimited hover time without any problems of engine overheating. The test was carried out within the certification programme, with the helicopter fixed to the ground. No external cooling systems, fans, airstream due to the flight etc. were used.

The engine revved up to nominal rotational speed followed by a short test of the freewheel unit. And after that, you can see over 40 minutes of full engine output power (pitch at maximum lift position). The engine cooling water temperature gets to a stable level quite fast while the gearbox oil temperature needs some time to get hot. Both are safely within limits so there's a lot reserve for summer conditions. We are happy about these results 🙂 ... See more

Engine warm up 🌡️

The structural testing of the VA250 non rotating control system was carried out last week without failures. We are looking forward to execute other structural tests in the following months.
Simultaneously, another helicopter is performing ground runs at maximum rotor speed for dynamical testing of the whole rotor and control system 🙂 ... See more

General question: How do you like individual styles on an aircraft? Is it important or do you only appreciate the possibility to fly?
What about coloured anodized aluminum struts and custom paint jobs of the fairing? ... See more

One of the first ground runs of our RotorSchmiede VA250 ultralight prototype. No problems occured. The rotor- and control system are working fine, as expected. The engine is still in run-in phase. Visible oscillations and vibrations result from the fixation of the helicopter to the ground which changes the oscillation behaviour of the whole system. ... See more