Helicopter Evolution: From RotorWay To RapidSky

Founded in 1961 by B.J. Schramm in Chandler, Arizona, RotorWay pioneered the concept of kit helicopters, allowing aviation enthusiasts to build their own personal aircraft. Over decades, RotorWay’s models have transformed from groundbreaking prototypes to sophisticated flying machines, leaving an indelible mark on the helicopter industry.

The First Model: RotorWay Javelin

The Javelin was conceptualised with simplicity and practicality in mind. Its lightweight construction and absolute minimal components made it accessible to the average aviation enthusiast, while its ease of disassembly simplified maintenance. The Javelin was powered by a Continental O-200 four-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It had a top speed of 137 km/h (85 mph) and 2 hours 15 minutes endurance. There was nothing like it at the time, and the RotorWay Javelin started an exciting era.

RotorWay Scorpion

First introduced in 1967, the Scorpion was designed primarily for the sport-flying enthusiast rather than the commercial aviation market, which influenced its popularity. Initially, it was intended to cost well under $10,000. The original Scorpion had a weight ranging from 1,200 up to 1,300 pounds. It was equipped with a standard gear reduction drive, and standard semi-articulated two-bladed rotor system, and had a single-person capacity. The name certainly matched the appearance.

RotorWay Scorpion II

Introduced in 1972 as an evolution of the earlier single-seat Scorpion model, the Scorpion II was built to accommodate two passengers, featuring an expanded fuselage and a fiberglass cabin enclosure. The initial models were powered by an Evinrude OMC 125 hp two-cycle engine. The RotorWay now started taking shape as a practical, two-seater helicopter, and became appealing to the average pilot. It was considered a serious mode of aerial transportation and viable helicopter.

RotorWay Scorpion 133

A key improvement was replacing the inefficient two-stroke engine. Unable to source a suitable four-stroke engine, RotorWay began manufacturing its own—the RW 133. This new engine provided the power and torque needed for the upgraded design, setting a precedent for RotorWay’s in-house innovation. The Scorpion 133 had a list price of $13,500, with a gross weight of 1,235 lb (560 kg), and a range of 130 nautical miles (79 nautical miles (146 km) with two people.

RotorWay Exec 90

In 1980, RotorWay launched the RW145 engine alongside the Exec helicopter, marking a significant shift in their design approach. The Exec was the first RotorWay helicopter to move away from the traditional “kit helicopter” appearance. Unlike earlier models, it featured a fully enclosed frame and engine, with a strong focus on enhancing the aircraft’s aesthetics. The Exec with new engine had a maximum payload of 400 pounds, and cruise speed of 113 mph (182 km/h).

RotorWay Exec 162F

In 1994, RotorWay revolutionised the Exec 90 by replacing its carburetted engine with a fuel-injection system featuring electronic ignition and dual FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). The resulting Exec 162F was award-winning and innovative, establishing RotorWay as a leader in experimental helicopters. Over the next decade, the 162F became the top choice for personal helicopter enthusiasts, offering safety, reliability, and unmatched performance. It’s still very popular.

RotorWay A600 Talon

As the successor to the Exec 162F, the eighth-generation A600 Talon represented decades of expertise and innovation. Featuring a shaft-driven tail rotor, higher and wider landing gear, an electric clutch, a cog-belt final drive, and a new glass cockpit, the A600 Talon became RotorWay’s most advanced helicopter to date. By 2017 the company just referred to it as the A600, dropping the Talon name from marketing materials. RotorWay was firmly established in the helicopter industry.

RotorWay A600 Talon Turbo

A turbocharged engine was added to the A600 Talon, providing increased power and hailed as revolutionary by pilots. With more developments on the horizon, RotorWay remained a leader in personal helicopter design. They announced a certified turbine model but this never materialized. The company fell into financial difficulty and all development ceased.

RotorWay RW7

In 2015 a new model was announced, but was cancelled. The financial difficulties worsened through 2018 and everything went downhill from there. In 2021 the factory location, designs and assets were purchased by a new company, Rotor X Aircraft Manufacturing, who hired many of the former employees and supplied kits. Since then the company continued to decline, and on 8 December 2024, the website went completely dark. Sadly, marking the end of the great RotorWay era.

AvioTecnica ES-101 Exec

Meanwhile, over in Europe, RotorWay had been going off on a turbine tangent since. In 1996 Teddi Rossi and his Italian team produced the ES101 Exec equipped with a turbine engine. This greatly enhanced the performance of the original RotorWay it was based upon. This created a whole new class of ultralight helicopter, with outstanding performance.

AvioTecnica ETA3

In 2004 AvioTecnica designed and produced a new experimental light helicopter called the ETA3. Entirely developed and built in Italy, it quickly set the standard for ultralight helicopters, and in 2015 it was put to the ultimate high-altitude test.

World Altitude Record

Simone Moro, an accomplished Italian helicopter pilot and alpinist, set a remarkable altitude record on November 12, 2015. He piloted his AvioTechnica ES101 Raven helicopter to an altitude of 6,705 meters (21,998 feet), surpassing the previous record for turbine rotorcraft in the E-1a category, which had stood since 1953 at 4,789 meters (15,711 feet).

AvioTecnica ES-101 Raven

Based on the RotorWay Exec design, and equipped with the Solar T-62T-32 turbine, it gave the Rotorway the performance and efficiency it lacked under piston power. Purists will argue that it’s not a RotorWay without pistons, but the evolution of the RotorWay models started with just 40HP. It’s all about the engines, and with 150HP, it’s the pinnacle for the RotorWay.

Alpi Syton AH 130

In 2008 the ES-101 Raven design was acquired by Alpi Aviation and further developed. It seemed promising for a while that this helicopter will go from strength to strength. However, like RotorWay, they have hit financial headwinds, and by 2024 it seems that Alpi Aviation is not going to survive. There must be a way to preserve the great legacy of RotorWay.

RapidSky VF2

RapidSky Aviation Solutions was established to find the smartest way from A-Z. Helicopters obviously come under close consideration, and when we looked around, the RotorWay quickly came into view. There had to be a way in which we could build on this long legacy, and make it even better. There did not seem to be the need to re-invent the proverbial wheel. We have consolidated on nearly seven decades of helicopter development, and bringing to market, the RapidSky VF2.

Vertical Fly – Famiglia Giovanardi

The secret to the success of the RapidSky VR2 lies in the heart of Piedmont, Italy. There resides a family that services RotorWay, ES101 Raven, and Syton AH130 helicopters for the past 40+ years. Not only do they know every bolt, they have reverse-engineered the entire helicopter, from skids to rotors, including the turbine itself. Totally produced in-house, with dedicated technical support. The level of Giovanardi engineering excellence is modestly hidden, but we will be shining a deserving light on the road from RotorWay to RapidSky. The Arizona dreams of B.J. Schramm, are alive and well, in Italy.

“When RapidSky decided to enter the helicopter market, we realized there are no shortcuts to safe vertical flight. After careful consideration and serious study, we found the most prudent path would be to tread in the successful steps of others. Starting with a proven design, perfected over many decades, and manufactured to the highest engineering standards. The RotorWay pedigree and Vertical Fly expertise fits in well with RapidSky. Our goal is to find the smartest, and safest way from A-Z.”