Fuchs Helicopter of Schindellegi in Switzerland is anticipating the arrival of the first 2001 model Schweizer 333 to be delivered in Europe. The model 333 has recently been on display at the Helicopter Association International convention in California and is expected to arrive with Fuchs sometime in March.

The company is already operating a model 333 in Switzerland which it converted from a model 330 last month. The converted aircraft has been allowing the company to expand its mountain landing training capabilities. Randy Ahlers, Fuchs’ field service manager, said: “For a pilot to receive the mountain landing endorsement on his licence he has to make a number of landings at several diverse landing sites. With the model 333 we have the capacity to go higher and reach more of the 20 or 30 official designated areas in the Swiss Alps.”

Ahlers highlights two major differences between the 330 and 333 models: “The 333 uses a banded belt system, as opposed to a belt drive system, which allows us to gain more power from the engine. The real major increase to performance, however, is the changes made to the rotor blades – half of the blade is now more cambered which allows an increase of the gross weight by almost 300 pounds. This has also increased the maximum speed.” \r

Fuchs’ 333 will feature Schweizer’s deluxe interior and a custom gold and blue paint scheme. The design

is expected to increase useful load, cruise speeds and hover performance.

The company also currently operates an Explorer which is used for passenger flights but primarily employed in conjunction with Swiss television. Using a stabilised camera system, the Explorer covers a number of sporting events around the country.