RapidSky VF150 Turbine

A compact turbine engine, featuring a classic gas turbine design with a centrifugal compressor and radial inflow turbine mounted on a cantilevered shaft, keeping bearings outside the hot section for much cooler operation. Its combustion system includes an annular reverse-flow chamber with six vaporising burners, initiated by a small atomising burner and igniter plug. A hybrid fuel control system ensures very smooth operation, transitioning from a mechanical valve for quick starting, to an electronic governor at maximun speed. There is a choice of gearboxes available for helicopter and/or aircraft applications at various RPM.

Based on the original Solar T62-T32, a versatile gas turbine originally designed as an auxiliary power unit (APU) and widely used in various applications, including powering Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook helicopters and other ground-based systems. This engine incorporates a single-stage centrifugal compressor and radial inflow turbine, delivering approximately 150 horsepower at 61,250 RPM. It is a reliable auxiliary workhorse.

The RapidSky VF150 turbine engine builds significantly on the T62-T32’s foundation, crafted entirely from aerospace-grade metals and leveraging advanced engineering techniques. This results in a vastly improved turbine engine, perfectly suited for ultralight helicopters and other aircraft. While the typical time between overhauls (TBO) is around 3,000 hours, the VF150’s TBO is conservatively limited to 1,000 hours. A complete overhaul at this interval is strongly recommended to prioritise safety, particularly in helicopter operations.

The RapidSky VF150 delivers exceptional aerospace turbine performance at a very affordable price point. Particularly suited for OEMs, homebuilders and experimentals. It’s also a drop-in replacement for these:

• Alpi Syton AH 130
• Auroa Helicopter
• Bede BD-5
• ES-101 Raven
• Eagle Helicycle
• Famà Kiss 209
• Gyrodyne RON Rotorcycle
• Hillberg Turbine Exec
• LAE Ultrasport 496T
• Mosquito Aviation XE
• RotorWay Exec 162F (Turbine)
• Winner B150

Manufactured in Piedmont, Italy with dedicated after sales support and unlimited, timely supply of all parts. We offer back-to-base maintenance and complete overhauls. These are the general technical specifications:

Type: Turboshaft
Length: 33.41 in (84.86 cm)
Diameter: 21.375 in (54.293 cm)
Dry weight: 142 lb (64 kg)
Compressor: Centrifugal Impeller
Combustors: Annular reverse flow with six burners
Turbine: Radial inflow impeller
Fuel type: Jet A / Jet A-1 / JP-4 / JP-5 / JP-8 / Diesel
Consumption: 40 litres per hour. (10 US Gallons)
Oil system: Wet sump
Maximum power output: 60 to 150 hp (45 to 112 kW)
Power-to-weight ratio: 0.42 to 1.06 hp/lb (0.69 to 1.74 kW/kg)