Schweizer 330
Schweizer · United States · first flew 1988 · helicopter
The Schweizer 330 is a light turbine helicopter that mates a small Allison turboshaft to the proven rotor system and dynamics of the piston-engined 300C.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.82 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Turbine-powered 300-series derivative
- Three-blade fully articulated rotor
- Open lattice tailboom option
Look for the small teardrop cabin of the 300 series married to a turbine exhaust and a slim tailboom. The three-blade rotor and skid gear reflect its light-helicopter heritage.
Specifications
- The Schweizer 330 has a length of 6.82 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.31 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 222 km/h (138 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 pilots, up to 3 seats.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Announced in 1987 and first flown in 1988, the 330 converted the reliable 300-series into a turbine machine for training, patrol and utility work. It later evolved into the enclosed-tailboom 333 with greater capability.
Variants
The initial 330 gave way to the refined 330SP and the improved 333, which added a fully faired tailboom and higher weights. All retain the three-blade main rotor of the 300C lineage.
Where you'll see it
The type has seen use with law-enforcement and training operators, with limited UK presence compared to its piston forebears. Its low operating costs suit observation and pilot-training roles.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.