# Schweizer S333

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Schweizer_S333
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Schweizer_S333.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schweizer_S333
> Source revision: 1319350523
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Light helicopter

Schweizer 330 / S333 Schweizer 333 on the apron General information Type Light utility and trainer helicopter Manufacturer Schweizer Aircraft Corporation Sikorsky Aircraft Status Active In production Primary users Dominican Air Force Royal Saudi Land Forces History Manufactured 1988–present Introduction date 1992 First flight June 14, 1988 Developed from Schweizer S300 Developed into MQ-8 Fire Scout Sikorsky S-434

The **Schweizer 330** and **S333** are turbine-powered developments of the [Schweizer 300](/source/Schweizer_300) light piston-powered helicopter. As of 2007, only the Schweizer 333 remains in production.[1] In February 2009, the 333 was rebranded as the **Sikorsky S-333**.[2] In 2018 the Schweizer R.S.G. bought the [Schweizer Aircraft](/source/Schweizer_Aircraft) from [Sikorsky Aircraft](/source/Sikorsky_Aircraft) and it was rebranded as Schweizer S333 again.[3]

## Development

### Schweizer 330

In 1987, Schweizer announced development of the Schweizer 330 using the dynamic components, rotors, controls and systems of the 300C; however, it was redesigned with an all-new fuselage.[4] The first 330, converted from a 300C and powered by an [Allison 250](/source/Rolls-Royce_Model_250)-C10A, flew on June 14, 1988. The FAA certified the aircraft in September 1992.

The improved 330SP was introduced in May 1997 and featured an improved rotor and raised skids, which could be retrofitted to previous 330 models. An Allison (later Rolls-Royce) 250-C20W turboshaft was derated to 165 kW (220 hp), giving the 330SP excellent hot and high performance, maintaining power output to 18,000 feet.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

### Schweizer 333

Schweizer 333

Shortly after the release of the 330, Schweizer began work on upgrading the dynamic components of the Schweizer 330SP. Over two years later, Schweizer released a new variant, the Schweizer 333. Featuring the newly developed dynamic systems components and new-technology rotor blades with a cambered airfoil and a larger diameter rotor, the upgraded helicopter benefited from a greater max gross weight, more useful load, more speed and more hover performance; nearly a 30% increase in performance over the 330SP. Schweizer created a kit to upgrade Model 330 and 330SP aircraft.[5]

In February 2008, an improved version of the series, the [S-434](/source/Sikorsky_S-434) was released.[6][7]

## Design

The 330 used the 300C's dynamic components, a Rolls-Royce 250 turboshaft engine, and a new four-seat cockpit/cabin and body and new instrumentation.

## Operational history

Schweizer was purchased on August 26, 2004, by [Sikorsky Aircraft](/source/Sikorsky_Aircraft). The Schweizer 300/333 models fill a gap in the Sikorsky helicopter line, which is known for its medium and heavy utility and cargo helicopters. Sikorsky has since taken advantage of Schweizer's rapid prototyping technology, originally used during development of the 333 dynamic components and the RQ-8 prototype, to develop the [X-2 Technology Demonstrator](/source/Sikorsky_X2).[8]

## Variants

A RQ-8A Fire Scout helicopter preparing to land on the [USS *Nashville*](/source/USS_Nashville_(LPD-13))

**330**
- Using the 300C dynamic components, Schweizer mounted a Rolls-Royce 250-C10A engine to the airframe and developed a new four-seat cockpit/cabin and body.

**330SP**
- improved rotor and raised skids, Rolls-Royce 250-C20W engine.

**333**
- Schweizer’s s333 turbine-powered aircraft features a 1,250 lb. useful load, making it a versatile platform for everything from military training and public service to personal use. With three- and four-seat configurations, this helicopter is an ideal initial turbine aircraft with lower direct operating costs comparable to other light turbine helicopters.[9]

**RQ-8/MQ-8 Fire Scout**
- The [Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout](/source/Northrop_Grumman_MQ-8_Fire_Scout) is an [unmanned](/source/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle) derivative of the Schweizer 330SP/333 helicopter, with a new fuselage, new fuel system, and UAV electronics and sensors. It also utilizes a new four-bladed rotor system based on that of the Schweizer 333. The Fire Scout is currently in development for the [United States Navy](/source/United_States_Navy)'s VTUAV program with cooperation from [Northrop Grumman](/source/Northrop_Grumman). The original RQ-8A was based on the 330SP.

**[Sikorsky S-434](/source/Sikorsky_S-434)**
- Based on improvements developed for the MQ-8B, this is a new version of the 333, having a four-bladed main rotor.[10]

## Operators

**[Dominican Republic](/source/Dominican_Republic)**

- [Dominican Air Force](/source/Dominican_Air_Force)[11][12]

**[Saudi Arabia](/source/Saudi_Arabia)**

- [Saudi Arabian Army](/source/Saudi_Arabian_Army)[13][14]

### Non-state operators

- [Peshmerga](/source/Peshmerga) & Ministry of Interior Aviation[15][16][17]

## Specifications (333)

*Data from* International Directory of Civil Aircraft[4] and Technical specifications[18]

**General characteristics**

- **Crew:** 1–2

- **Capacity:** 1–3 passengers

- **Length:** 31 ft 2 in (9.50 m) overall

- **Height:** 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)

- **Empty weight:** 1,210 lb (549 kg)

- **Gross weight:** 2,460 lb (1,116 kg)

- **Max takeoff weight:** 2,550 lb (1,157 kg)

- **Powerplant:** 1 × [Rolls-Royce M250-C20W](/source/Rolls-Royce_M250-C20W) [turboshaft](/source/Turboshaft) engine, 235 shp (175 kW)

- **Main rotor diameter:** 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)

- **Main rotor area:** 594 sq ft (55.2 m2) (**blade section:** [NACA 0015 modified](/source/NACA_airfoil)[19])

**Performance**

- **Cruise speed:** 105 kn (121 mph, 194 km/h)

- **Range:** 319 nmi (367 mi, 591 km)

- **Rate of climb:** 1,380 ft/min (7.0 m/s)

## See also

- [Aviation portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Aviation)

**Related development**

- [Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout](/source/Northrop_Grumman_MQ-8_Fire_Scout)

- [Schweizer S300](/source/Schweizer_S300)

- [Sikorsky S-434](/source/Sikorsky_S-434)

**Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era**

- [Enstrom 480](/source/Enstrom_480)

- [Robinson R66](/source/Robinson_R66)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [Schweizer Aircraft 333 page](http://www.sacusa.com/products/333main2.asp) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070531003821/http://www.sacusa.com/products/333main2.asp) 2007-05-31 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Sikorsky Press Release February 23, 2009"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110725061259/http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=00de6eb78fa78110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextchannel=162f45d57ef68110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&pressvcmid=cb796928275af110VgnVCM1000004f62529fRCRD). Archived from [the original](http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=00de6eb78fa78110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextchannel=162f45d57ef68110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&pressvcmid=cb796928275af110VgnVCM1000004f62529fRCRD) on July 25, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["HOME - Schweizer"](https://schweizerrsg.com/). Schweizerrsg.com. Retrieved 2022-05-02.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Frawley_Civil_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Frawley_Civil_4-1) Frawley, Gerard: *The International Directiory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004*, page 190. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-875671-58-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-875671-58-7)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Flug Revue article on the 333](http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/Frtypen/FRSch333.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070615015744/http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/FRTypen/FRSch333.htm) 2007-06-15 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [Sikorsky announces launch of Schweizer S-434 Commercial Helicopter at Heli-Expo](http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/814007)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Heli-Expo 2008: Sikorsky launches Schweizer 434](http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/25/221833/heli-expo-2008-sikorsky-launches-schweizer-434.html)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Rotor & Wing Magazine :: Big Plans"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070325013917/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/attack/5347.html). *www.aviationtoday.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/attack/5347.html) on 2007-03-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["4-Seater Helicopter Guide: Price Ranges, Best Uses and Options"](https://schweizerrsg.com/announcement/4-seater-helicopter-guide-price-ranges-best-uses-and-options/). *Schweizerrsg*. Retrieved 2025-01-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [Rotorcraft Report: New Schweizer Model? The Turbine 434](http://aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/departments/rotorcraftreport/16113.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20081201183252/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/departments/rotorcraftreport/16113.html) 2008-12-01 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Escuela de Helicópteros"](http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/americas/dominican_rep/DomRep-af-EscdeHel.htm). aeroflight.co.uk. Retrieved 15 February 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Dominican Republic Schweizer-333"](http://www.airliners.net/photo/Dominican-Republic--/Schweizer-333-(269D)/0738570/M/&sid=68a5c69f2682550cf32b7124a4e27fdb). Demand media. Retrieved 17 February 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Philippe Chapleau](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Philippe_Chapleau&action=edit&redlink=1) (29 November 2015). ["DynCorp signe pour cinq nouvelles années de soutien au profit de l'Alat saoudienne"](http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2015/11/29/dyncorp-signe-pour-cinq-nouvelles-annees-de-soutien-au-profi-15188.html) (in French). [Ouest-France](/source/Ouest-France). Retrieved 2 December 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Royal Saudi Land Forces"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170925125210/http://www.scramble.nl/orbats/saudi-arabia/army). *www.scramble.nl*. 2015. Archived from [the original](http://www.scramble.nl/orbats/saudi-arabia/army) on 25 September 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Turkish News - Latest News from Turkey"](https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/). *Hürriyet Daily News*. Retrieved 2023-12-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Contract to Buy 16 Helicopters Signed by Kurdistan R. Govt. - Media monitor"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200414054046/https://ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2006/7/mediamonitor97.htm). *www.ekurd.net*. Archived from [the original](http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2006/7/mediamonitor97.htm) on 2020-04-14. Retrieved 2023-12-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Contract to Buy 16 Helicopters Signed - Institute for War and Peace Reporting - P224"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141014194401/http://iwpr.net/report-news/contract-buy-16-helicopters-signed). Archived from [the original](http://iwpr.net/report-news/contract-buy-16-helicopters-signed) on 2014-10-14. Retrieved 2023-12-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [*Technical Data Summary, Model 333*](https://web.archive.org/web/20070726022244/http://www.sacusa.com/products/pdfs/333_TechData.pdf) (PDF), archived from [the original](http://www.sacusa.com/products/pdfs/333_TechData.pdf) (PDF) on 2007-07-26

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Selig_19-0)** Lednicer, David. ["The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage"](https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html). *m-selig.ae.illinois.edu*. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Schweizer 330/333](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Schweizer_330/333).

- [Schweizer 333 page on SACusa.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20070628110714/http://www.sacusa.com/products/333main.asp)

- [FAA Type Certificate 4H12](http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/82216eb84dd9bea586257106006cbddb/$FILE/4H12.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170125015721/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/82216eb84dd9bea586257106006cbddb/$FILE/4H12.pdf) 2017-01-25 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

v t e Schweizer Aircraft Sailplanes & Gliders 1-1 1-2 1-3 1-6 1-7 2-8 9-10 15-11 2-12 6-14 1-15 1-16 1-17 2-18 1-19 1-20 1-21 2-22 1-23 1-24 2-25 1-26 2-27 7-28 1-29 1-30 2-31 2-32 2-33 1-34 1-35 1-36 2-37 2-38 X-26 Frigate Agricultural Aircraft Ag Cat Ag Cat Super B Amphibious Aircraft TSC-1 Teal Helicopters 300 330 333 S-434 Reconnaissance Aircraft QT-2 SA 2-37 RU-38 Twin Condor UAVs MQ-8 Fire Scout People Ernest Schweizer Paul A Schweizer William (Bill) Schweizer

v t e Sikorsky aircraft Fixed-wing aircraft (company designations) S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5 S-6 S-7 S-8 S-9 S-10 S-11 S-12 S-13 S-14 S-15 S-16 S-17 S-18 S-19 S-20 S-21 S-22/23/24/25/26/27 S-28 S-29-A S-30 S-31 S-32 S-33 S-34 S-35 S-36 S-37 S-38 S-39 S-40 S-41 S-42 S-43 VS-44 S-45 Fixed-wing aircraft (military designations) C-6 C-28 JRS JR2S PS P2S RS XBLR-3 XPBS XSS XV-2 Helicopters (company designations) VS-300 (S-46) S-47 S-48 S-49 S-50 S-51 S-52 S-53 S-54 S-55 S-56 S-57 S-58 S-59 S-60 S-61 S-61L/N S-61R S-62 S-63 S-64 S-65 S-66 S-67 S-68 S-69 S-70 S-71 S-72 S-73 S-74 S-75 S-76 S-80 S-92 S-95 S-97 S-100 S-102 S-103 S-300 S-333 S-434 Helicopters (military designations) SH-3 Sea King HH-3E/F R-4 H-5 H-6 H-18 H-19 Chickasaw H-34 Choctaw CH-37 Mojave XH-39 HH-52A Seaguard CH-53 Sea Stallion CH-53E Super Stallion CH-53K King Stallion MH-53 CH-54 Tarhe UH-60 Black Hawk HH-60G Pave Hawk HH-60J/MH-60T MH-60R/S Seahawk SH-60B/F Seahawk H-60J/K VH-60 RAH-66 Comanche VH-92 Patriot CH-124 Sea King CH-148 Cyclone HLH Experimental aircraft Cypher/Cypher II Firefly Raider Raider X SB-1 X2 XBLR-3 XV-2

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Schweizer S333](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schweizer_S333) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schweizer_S333?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.