AirScooter II: Back to the Future of Rotor Craft Design

Going back to the future of rotor craft design is the basic concept of the AirScooter VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) vehicle by AirScooter Corporation of Henderson, Nevada. "The original Sikorsky rotorcraft helicopter concept was based on a coaxial design much like the AirScooter," says Woody Norris; internationally recognized inventor and AirScooter Corporation co-founder.

By eliminating the need and complexity of swashplates, collective and cyclic control through a coaxial rotor design a number of benefits beyond conventional helicopter designs are immediately realized. First; enhanced, intuitive flight controls are achieved by simple motorcycle-style handlebars and the absence of a tail rotor. To gain altitude, simply throttle up like you would on a motorcycle, turn left or right on the handlebars for craft rotation and move the handlebar assembly as a joystick for directional control (including reverse). No pedal controls are necessary, which means someone without the use of their legs can just as easily fly the AirScooter. Handlebar controls represent the most distinguishable feature of the AirScooter.

The patented AeroTwin engine is the result of a "gap" in the sport aircraft engine market that was discovered as AirScooter Corporation searched for a light 4-stroke engine in the 50-75 horsepower range to power the AirScooter craft. When an existing engine could not be found, AirScooter Corporation decided to commission the design of a new engine. AirScooter Corporation established AeroTwin Motors Corporation as the master manufacturer and distributor of the AeroTwin engine, which was designed by motorcycle racing engine specialist Bill White of New Zealand. White designed and engineered a low-weight 4-stroke engine specifically for AirScooter. After over three years of intense design and testing; the AeroTwin engine can easily produce 65 horsepower at 4,200 RPM and weighs in at less than 100 pounds dry (includes cooling shroud, exhaust and oil reservoir). Beyond filling the gap in the market, the 4-stroke AeroTwin engine delivers the safety advantages and lower noise of a 4-stroke engine compared to the popular 2-stroke engines used for most sport aircraft. Additional features that are unique to the AeroTwin engine include: an internal air cooling oil scavenging turbo charging system, reversible cylinder heads (swap sides for inlet and exhaust), the hollow head studs serve as oil passageways to cam boxes, the engine can run both vertical and horizontal, an EMS (Engine Management System) is incorporated into the inside lid of the plenum chamber to reduce loom size and provide cooling, the cylinder barrels are cast into the head as one piece, the bore/stroke relationship is structured to reduce secondary imbalance without the need for balancing shafts and the output drive is available from both ends of the engine. The AeroTwin engine is being marketed for additional uses to include fixed-wing aircraft, and other sport and kit aircraft., For more detailed information on the AeroTwin engine visit www.aerotwinmotors.com.

AirScooter completed detailed engineering resulting in two second-generation prototypes (AirScooter II), identified as Red and Yellow. Red was first test flown in February 2002 using a third party two stroke engine. After initial testing of an early AeroTwin engine on AirScooter in 2005, AirScooter designed and made rotor drive modifications to accommodate the increased torque of the new engine. In July 2006 AirScooter specified new composite rotors and developed matching rotor hubs that were installed on Yellow. After test flights in 2007 and 2008 AirScooter has unsuccessfully sought financing to make identified improvements and proceed to production.

With limitations of staffing and financial resources, AirScooter has focused on completing engine development and engine sales with the goal of generating recurring revenues. AirScooter continues to evaluate options for an AirScooter PAV but has not finalized a design for production nor determined a production or product availability date. Please check this website for updates.

NOTE: Please review all materials on the AirScooter website before contacting AirScooter with questions. Most questions are answered on our FAQ's page. Email and phone inquiries that are covered on our site will not receive a reply. If you would like to be added our email list for future updates simply email info@airscooter.com and include "add to email list" in the reference line.