Schweizer 330SP
Schweizer Aircraft · United States · first flew 1992 · helicopter
The Schweizer 330SP is a three-seat light turbine helicopter produced by Schweizer Aircraft, distinguished by its three-bladed main rotor and updated avionics over the baseline 330.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.35 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Light turbine helicopter with bubble canopy
- Exposed tubular tail boom in Schweizer tradition
- Three-bladed main rotor distinguishes SP from earlier 330
Recognisable by the bubble canopy, open tubular tail boom, skid undercarriage, and three-bladed main rotor — smaller and more agile-looking than the S-333.
Specifications
- The Schweizer 330SP has a length of 9.35 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.18 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 209 km/h (130 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + up to 2 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Schweizer developed the 330 series in the early 1990s as a turbine-powered light helicopter for training and utility duties; the SP variant introduced an improved rotor system and systems refinements. Sikorsky later absorbed the Schweizer range.
Variants
The 330SP superseded the baseline 330; the S-333 (turbine) and the piston-engined 300 series form the broader family.
Where you'll see it
Popular with flight training organisations and police helicopter units in the United States and export markets.
Related aircraft
- Schweizer RU-38 Twin Condor
- Schweizer RU-38A Twin Condor
- Schweizer S-333
- Schweizer SGS 2-8
- Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow
- HAL Dhruv
- HAL Dhruv Mk.1
- MD Explorer
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