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

TYPE: Two-seat ultralight helicopter kitbuilt. Details as for 254 and 331, except as follows:

PROGRAMME: Developed from the 331, the Ultrasport 496 (N496AS) first flew in July 1995. Deliveries began in April 1997.

CURRENT VERSIONS:

Ultrasport 496; As described.

Ultrasport 496RT: Announced 2002. Uses 84.6kW Rotax 914 turbocharged engine with electric start and quadruple carburettors.

Sportscopter 600; New Zealand assembly; initial four registered in July 1999.

Vigilante: Remotely piloted version developed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Vigilante 496 prototype (N496UV) evaluated as optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) by US Navy during first and second quarters of 1998. CUSTOMERS: By end 2001, 135 had been delivered of which 35 were then flying. COSTS: 496 US$62,900; 496RT US$77,900 (2003). DESIGN FEATURES: Generally as for 254/331. Quick-build kit quoted build time 80 hours; dual controls standard.

STRUCTURE: Infinite-life composites rotor blades and fuselage. Shaft-driven tail rotor. Vertically mounted direct-drive helical spur gears 11:1 two-stage main transmission.

LANDING GEAR: Aluminium skids; track as for 254/331. Floats optional.

POWER PLANT: One 85.8kW Hirth F30 quad-carburettor engine with electric starter; 75.0kW Hirth H3QE version demonstrated at Sun 'a' Fun 2002 and has now supplanted F30. Fuel capacity 61 litres.

EQUIPMENT: Ballistic parachute under consideration.

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

Technical data for Ultrasport 496 Main rotor diameter: 7.01m, tail rotor diameter: 0.76m, length with rotor blades folded: 6.02m, height: 2.49m, take-off weight: 512kg, empty weight: 256kg, never-exceed speed: 167km/h, max cruising speed: 113km/h, max rate of climb: 305m/min, hovering ceiling, IGE: 3290m, hovering ceiling, OGE: 2135m, range: 240km, endurance: 3h