Incorporated in 1987, Rotary Air Force employs 16 people. In May 2001, RAF announced that it would be expanding its activities into commercial applications, including agricultural spraying and paramilitary functions.

RAF 2000

TYPE: Two-seat autogyro kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Introduced 1990; conforms to 51 per cent homebuilt rules.

CURRENT VERSIONS:

• 2000 STD-SE: Basic version, as described.
• 2000 GTX-SE: Top-of-range model; kit includes carbureted version of engine, rotor brake, heater, dual controls and adjustable pitch and roll trim assembly.
• 2000 GTX-SE FI: Fuel-injected version of GTX.

CUSTOMERS: RAF autogyros sold in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Serbia & Montenegro, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and USA. At least 500 believed completed and flown by end 2002. 88 current on Canadian register in 2002.

COSTS: 2000 STD-SF kit price US$20,615, including Subaru engine (carb version); 2000 GTX-SE US$22,500, including carburated Subaru; 2000 GTX-SE FI US$25,500, including fuel-injected Subaru (all 2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Conventional autogyro. Suitable for training, crop-spraying, power line inspection, predator control, stock mustering and aerial photography. Quoted build time 150-250 hours.

STRUCTURE: Composites RAF rotor blade features 6061-T6 aluminium spar and foam filler. Patented 5x10cm folding (two-part) rotor mast, rubber mast bushing and adjustable CG. Removable doors.

LANDING GEAR: Tricycle configuration; fixed; optional speed fairings.

POWER PLANT: One 97kW Subaru EJ22 16-valve four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine driving a ground-adjustable three-blade Warp Drive composites propeller through RAF cog belt reduction gear, ratio 2.10:1. Fuel capacity 87 litres of premium unleaded Mogas, of which 79 litres are usable. Optional capacity 95 litres, of which 87 litres usable. Fuel consumption carburated version 20.1 litres/h, injected version 18.2 litres/h, both at 80% power.

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and passenger side by side in enclosed cabin. Can be flown with doors removed.

SYSTEMS: 35A alternator, electric starter.

EQUIPMENT: Agricultural version has 114 litre tank, moulded to fit into back and bottom of cabin enclosure, supplying a 24-nozzle spraybar fitted behind and below the engine. Spray width 6.7 to 7.3m.

Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 2004-2005

Technical data for RAF-2000 STD-SE Rotor diameter: 9.14m, fuselage length: 4.11m, height overall: 2.50m, propeller diameter: 1.73m, max. take-off weight: 698kg, empty weight: 345kg, max operating speed: 161km/h, cruising speed: 113km/h, min flying speed: 32-48km/h, service ceiling: 3,050m, take-off run: 23-107m, landing run: 3m, range with max fuel: 450km

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