This picture of a helicopter in a field in Northern Italy, is the culmination of a story that starts many years ago. If all the components could communicate, they will tell a tale spanning decades, with failures and success in equal parts. This post consolidates how RapidSky entered the helicopter industry, why the RapidSky VF2 now exists, and where we are headed.
It all began with a philanthropy need to transport chronic patients from underserved locations to centres of medical care. Flying4Care needs helicopters. Operating primarily in Europe where airports are widely dispersed, VTOL is the answer.
After careful consideration of what’s available in the helicopter marketplace, RapidSky came to the conclusion that we need to develop our own range of composite helicopters. Enter the RapidSky H2,4,5,6 and 8-seat passenger helicopters.
Suffering no illusions that this will be an easy task, we need to find the quickest way to market, and we’ll be needing pilots too. For that reason, we started with a two-seat trainer. The search was on to find a viable turbine trainer, that allows for meaningful instruction, beyond pounding pistons. Time is REALLY money, when it comes to helicopters. We discovered the road to cost-effectiveness, started way back with RotorWay, and lead us to the ES101 Raven turbine helicopter. This was a little helicopter, with very big achievements, setting the world altitude record with a climb to 22,000 feet (6.71 km).
Not wanting to re-invent the wheel, we tracked down the creator of this great helicopter, Teddi Rossi. He had already retired and passed the baton to Mauro Giovanardi, who further improved the design. Subsequently, the Giovanardi Family has become the focal point of everything RotorWay, ES-101 Raven, and Syton AH 130. Their company Vertical Fly provides a COMPLETE helicopter engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance facility in Piedmont, Italy. The perfect platform for the RapidSky trainer helicopter. A partnership was formed, and the RapidSky VF2 came into existence.
Specifications
- Useful Load: 300 kg
- Gross Weight: 600 kg
- Empty Weight: 300 kg
- Service Ceiling: 3800 m
- Fuel Capacity: 100 l
- Crew: 1 + Passengers: 1
- Maximum Speed (VNE): 195 km/h
- Climb Rate: 7 m/s
- Cruise Speed: 170 km/h
- Range: Approximately 340 km
- Power: 140 hp
- Propulsion: Single-shaft radial turbine
- Turbine Management: FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control)
Cost New: 299K USD | 288K Euros | 237K GBP (Conversions may differ at the time of payment.)
Refundable Deposit: £1000 when reserving production slot.
Payment Terms: First 50% on start, and balance on completion.
Manufacturing Lead Time: Four months from start of production.
This is NOT a kit helicopter. It leaves the factory READY TO FLY!
Certification
The RapidSky VF2 is approved under German LTF-ULH regulations for ultralight helicopters (under 600 kg max take-off weight). In addition, we are pursuing EASA certification, with FAA approval to follow.
The RapidSky VF2 is available for order, with a four-month lead time, delivered to your door!
“What we have achieved in bringing the RapidSky VR2 to market, in a relatively short space of time, is simply remarkable. This is largely due to the strategic thinking of NOT trying to re-invent the wheel. The attractive price point was possible, as EVERYTHING is produced under one roof, including the turbine. The base helicopter was already certified in Germany, which saved significant testing and extraneous costs. The RapidSky VF2 is a proven, safe helicopter. It’s not a kit and leaves the factory, ready to fly!”
Herby Olschewski
RapidSky Founder & CEO
Click Here To Order Your RapidSky VF2
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