Back American Sportscopter Ultrasport 331
1993

Ultrasport 331

American Sportscopter (ASI) was formed in 1990 to produce an ultralight helicopter to FAR Part 103, which was designated Ultrasport 254. This kit-built machine first flew in July 1993. It is a single-seater with a semi-enclosed composite fuselage structure, skid undercarriage and a tubular tailboom with tailplane and twin fins and a tail rotor enclosed in a large circular shroud. It is powered by a 55hp Hirth 2703 engine mounted behind the cockpit rear bulk-head. The Ultrasport 331 is a larger version of the 254 falling within the American "Experimental" category (FAR Part 21.191g), with increased range and higher gross weight. This first flew in December 1993. It was followed by the Ultrasport 496 two-seater which commenced flight testing in July 1995. It has a wider cabin than the 331 and uses a 95hp Hirth F.30 engine. The Ultrasport helicopter kits are manufactured in Taiwan.

R.Simpson "Airlife's Helicopter and Rotorcraft", 1998 American Sportscopter International Inc. was founded in 1990. North and South American markets are covered by US office; rest of world by Taiwanese office. An unmanned surveillance prototype named Vigilante 496 (first flight February 1998) was developed by SAIC. In late 2001, ASH was looking at providing armament, including 70mm rockets and Hellfire missiles.

ULTRASPORT 254 and 331

TYPE: Single-seat ultralight helicopter kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Prototype (254 version) first flight 24 July 1993 and publicly displayed at Oshkosh that year. Two prototypes built and tested. Prototype 331 (N331UV) first flew December 1993. LBA certification was expected by early 2002: version is only marketed in countries where ultralight helicopters are regulated to company's satisfaction. In late 2002, it was announced that Huzbou Taixing Aviation Technology of Huzhou, China was producing helicopters from kits, including examples of Ultrasports.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Designations reflect empty weight in pounds.

Ultrasport 254: Single-seat ultralight to FAR Pt 103.

Ultrasport 331: Experimental category FAR Pt 21.191(g); single-seat 'growth' model. Meets FAA 51% amateur-built kit rules.

Ultrasport 331H with 48.5kW Hirlh H32 added to range in 2003 and will eventually replace the Ultrasport 331.

CUSTOMERS: Total of 70 single-seaters sold by end 2002, of which more than 50 were flying.

COSTS: US$37,900 (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Design objective of 254 was basic weight not to exceed 115kg (254 lb) in order to comply with FAR Pt 103. Two-blade composites construction main rotor with tip weights for momentum conservation m event of engine failure, 8° linear twist and infinite life; shielded two-blade tail rotor; tailplane with tins at tip; tail rotor drive carried in narrow streamlined tailboom. Centrifugal sprag clutch for starting engages rotors at 2,000 engine rpm and automatically disengages in the event of engine failure. Quoted build time 80 hours. Broad (2.44m) skid track helps to prevent rollovers.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional collective, cyclic and yaw pedals. Floor-mounted cyclic option available since 1998; early models had top-mounted stick.

STRUCTURE: Generally of epoxy resin, graphite fabric and Nomex honeycomb; aluminium tailboom.

LANDING GEAR: Aluminium skids stressed for landings at up to 2.5g; floats (weight 18kg) optional.

POWER PLANT: One 48.5kW Hirth 2706 dual-carburettor two-stroke engine with electric starter (also option for 254) or Hirth H32 of same power in 331H; 12:1 planetary transmission. Fuel capacity 38 litres.

ACCOMMODATION: Single seat enclosed.

SYSTEMS: Electrical: 12V battery; 14V alternator fit appropriate to engine.

AVIONICS: Customer choice.

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

Ultrasport 331

Technical data for Ultrasport 331

Main rotor diameter: 6.4m, tail rotor diameter: 0.76m, length with rotor blades folded: 5.84m, height: 2.39m, take-off weight: 294kg, empty weight: 150kg, max level speed: 167km/h, cruising speed: 101km/h, max rate of climb: 305m/min, hovering ceiling, IGE: 3290m, hovering ceiling, OGE: 2135m, range with normal fuel at 100km/h: 241km

Ultrasport 331

Comments1-20 21-40
Mel Aparicio, e-mail, 19.09.2015reply

Hellow, I have an Ultrasport 496, "0" time since new, fully assembled ready for first flight. I will sale it, if you are Interested in buying can call me at 305-3051042 or
502-59579140 to make an offer, right now is in the paint shop.

BARREAU, e-mail, 18.09.2014reply

Je suis interressé pour acheter un Ultrasport 331 d'occasion;
Merci de m'indiquer les bonnes adresses !
Cordialement,
Barreau Joel.

Sergy Bilenko, e-mail, 13.12.2012reply

èíòåðåñíî äëÿ áèçíåñà â Óêðàèíå.
êîìïëåêòû Ê1Ò ãäå è êàê ìîãó êóïèòü ?
Æåëàþ Âàì óäà÷è

BallsDeep, e-mail, 02.08.2010reply

I would like to buy this heli today. Please link site or email me with the site. Thanks All

Luigi, e-mail, 22.01.2011reply

Hello,
i would like to know where can i buy a spare parts of my Ultrasport 331....please let me Know i'm really interested...
Thanks in advance
Luigi

Stefano, e-mail, 28.04.2011reply

please send catalog, pricing and info about the Ultrasport 331

Gene Wood, e-mail, 24.06.2011reply

I live in northwest Florida, USA. I have an ultrasport 331 complete, ready to fly for sale. Contact via email. Thanks

Les Chambers, e-mail, 22.01.2023 Gene Wood

Hello. Was wondering if you still own the 331 Ultrasport. Thank you.

reply

John fields, e-mail, 02.12.2021 Gene Wood

I have a chance to buy this aircraft, it belonged to Mr. John Whitley. I would like any info you might have on it. Mr Whitley has supposedly passed away and Noone knows much about the craft. My contact phone #910-654-4893, would like to talk to you about this. I'm in evergree north carolina, about 18 miles from Lumberton. I have the bill of sale where he purchased it from you in 2012, I would like any Info you might have. You can call me anytime as I am retired and have a lot of projects to tinker on.thank you

reply

Jim Watson, e-mail, 21.10.2013reply

I would love to get pricing for both the kit and completely built 496 as well as the 331

jay, e-mail, 12.12.2011reply

looking to buy a Ultrasport 254

jaswinder, e-mail, 19.01.2012reply

i would like to buy one of your ultralight helicopters.can you ship one to india? what are the prices and the shipping costs?please send details via returning mail.anis,delhi.

Garry Smith, e-mail, 26.02.2012reply

want price and shipping to bellville ontario canada

Rick Huber, e-mail, 21.03.2013reply

what is the price of the 331 and where do I get one?

Marthinus Snyman, e-mail, 14.08.2012reply

I am a Namibian and have the oportunity to buy a Ultrasport 496 from someone in Namibia. The heli is without a engine, rotorblades and instruments. Wat wil it cost me for the engine, rotorblades and instruments? Waht is the cost of a new complete Ultrasport 496?
Thanks
Marthinus

Al Weiche, e-mail, 03.07.2010reply

Could I please receive more info on the 331H and the the 496. More tech details would be appreciated.

Evergreen, e-mail, 24.02.2010reply

Hello,
Who has this small perfect helicoper?? Please let me know :)

Frank, e-mail, 16.12.2009reply

How much is this complete kit delivered to UK

Also how much if delivered to Spain?

Thanks

Frank

Willie J. Bridgeforth,Jr., e-mail, 09.09.2008reply

To whom it concern I am requesting information and price list on the ULTRASPORT Model #254 and the 331.
Thanks.
WJB.

Dominique Denisi, e-mail, 07.09.2008reply

i would to know the price of the ultrasport 496 please

anis siddiqui, e-mail, 21.04.2008reply

i would like to buy one of your ultralight helicopters.can you ship one to india? what are the prices and the shipping costs?please send details via returning mail.anis,delhi.

Ashtaq Arain, e-mail, 29.02.2008reply

I am interested in retailing your product in the UK. Can you please let me know i it is already being sold in the UK, if not then can I please let me know if you would be interested to export to the UK.

1-20 21-40

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