RotorWay debuted the prototype of its new A600 Talon two-seat helicopter at EAA AirVenture on Monday morning. Company CEO Grant Norwitz said the new model is a top-to-bottom upgrade of the company’s previous design, incorporating a glass cockpit, FADEC, a wider and taller cabin and a new drive system. “It’s a quantum leap forward,” he said. The kit version of the aircraft will sell for $95,700, with everything, in a quick-build kit that the company says can be completed in 450 hours. “I know it’s too cheap,” Norwitz said, but he then added that a ready-to-fly version can be imported from a South African factory for $135,000, prompting more than a few gasps and wows even from the press corps attending the event. “One of our goals is to provide affordable rotary-wing flying,” Norwitz said. He added that the company will work toward certification of the A600, first in Europe and then in the U.S., and plans to develop a turbine version.
Norwitz also announced a new partnership with EAA, promising to donate two helicopters for the EAA’s annual fundraiser. According to Norwitz, RotorWay intends to fly more Young Eagles than anyone else in the world. He also said the company is working to develop an online community of helicopter enthusiasts via its Web site, RotorWay.com.
