An interesting read about the new "Super-D2"
Honeywell selects Soloy to develop STC for LTS101-700D-2 engine installation in AS350B2 helicopters
PHOENIX, February 6, 2005 -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has signed a teaming agreement with Soloy, LLC to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of Honeywell’s latest LTS101 turboshaft engine upgrade for the AS350B2 AStar helicopter.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters will be the launch customer for the new conversion.
“Honeywell’s LTS101-700D-2 turboshaft engine is designed to provide more than a 14 percent take-off power improvement at sea level and 18 percent more power in hot day conditions,” said Bob Miller, Director, Honeywell Light Utility Helicopter programs. “The improved power is generated by a new cooled gas producer (GP) turbine assembly that also increases GP disk life from 6,300 cycles to 15,000 cycles, helping reduce our customer’s operating costs. The LTS101-700D-2 also incorporates an updated and proven reduction gear-set that reduces accumulated power turbine cycles by 35 percent and increases torque limits by 6 percent.”
The engine footprint is identical to existing versions of LTS101 engines so current LTS101 operators can take advantage of the growth capability with no significant change to the installation or mechanical interfaces.
Soloy has already begun the new engine installation on a B2 Astar at its Olympia, Washington, facility.
Soloy has more than 30 years of experience in aircraft modifications and has completed numerous re-engine programs producing over 49 STC’s with certifications in 29 different countries.
“The Soloy STC, coupled with existing service bulletins, will allow operators of any model AStar helicopter to upgrade to the B2 configuration and then convert to the Honeywell LTS 101-700D-2 engine,” said David Stauffer, President of Soloy, “Our STC FAA certification is planned for early 2005.”
Soloy has begun taking orders for the AS350B2 upgrade, which they’re labeling the “Super D2”. Papillon Helicopters, who currently operate four “Super D” AStar helicopters with the LTS101-600A-3A engine, will be the launch customer for the new conversion.
“Our current LTS101 engines are burning almost 25 percent less block fuel per hour on our tour missions compared with competitive engine installations and are delivering significantly lower maintenance costs” said Dean Brandt, Papillon Helicopters Director of Maintenance. “We expect that same level of performance from these new LTS101-700D-2 engines.”
The LTS101 engine family has accrued more than 8 million hours of in flight operation. Honeywell has continuously improved this product through the infusion of recent technologies and upgrades. As a result, this engine family has demonstrated a four-fold improvement in reliability since 1996 and unscheduled removals and warranty claims have been driven to the lowest values in the history of the engine.