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“The A600 Talon is the first of a new generation
of RotorWay machines, built on a tradition of delivering on our
promises,” said CEO Grant Norwitz, as the machine went through
its paces for the cameras early in the Arizona morning of the fifth
of July. “With our new facilities, our new programs, and our
commitment to establishing an atmosphere in which certification
of future designs will be fulfilled, the Talon exemplifies the spirit
of RotorWay: strong traditions and fresh thinking.”
The A600 Talon is a top-to-bottom redesign, incorporating
many customer-initiated requests, advanced electronics, engineering,
and convenience items. The cockpit is now all-glass, using the MGL
Avionics system. The completely redesigned and tuned FADEC system
now has a secondary FADEC as a clone of the primary. Any failure
of the primary unit will be imperceptible to the engine informing
the pilot on the MGL display. The 162’s primary drive chain
is replaced by a heavy-duty cog belt for ease of maintenance and
longevity.
The useful load is 535 pounds, including a 100-pound
luggage compartment. Economy cruise is a practical 90mph and fast
long-distance cruise has already been demonstrated at 100 plus,
with the doors off! The landing gear is 10 inches wider, 10 inches
longer, and 7” higher than its smaller predecessor the Exec
162. This enables improvements in strength and stability, while
offering greater accessibility underneath for the optional accessory
luggage pod.
Process controls and designs with the new Talon’s manufacture
at Rotorway’s new factory, are specifically aimed at the company’s
plan to develop and deliver a certified helicopter. The A600 Talon
is to be built in the new facility, on the new line, under the new
processes that are being set up and proven to enable the certified
machine to follow as early as 2011 in the United States. These new
processes, materials, and documentation on the experimental, owner-built
A600 Talon are designed to mesh into the processes and controls
to be used on the future certified machine. The result is that the
Talon will be built to type certified standards, of certified materials
and with all the processes and controls expected of a manufacturer
with the pedigree of RotorWay – and yet will be sold at kit
prices.
The RotorWay success story is the culmination of
over 4 decades of perseverance, progress in design and engineering
development. Today
RotorWay continues to be driven by individuals that believe in the
company's mission -- To provide the rotorcraft customer worldwide
with a safe, affordable way to experience their dream of rotary
wing flight.
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