Alpi Syton AH 130
The Alpi Syton AH 130 is a two-seat ultralight turbine helicopter produced by Alpi Aviation of Pordenone, Italy. Developed from the RotorWay Exec and AvioTecnica ES-101 Raven designs acquired in 2008, the AH 130 blends a lightweight composite-steel frame with a Solar T62 turboshaft to deliver robust high-altitude performance, spirited handling, and low operating costs.
Design and Construction
Origins and Evolution
Work to transform the piston-driven RotorWay Exec into a turbine-powered helicopter began with AvioTecnica’s ES-101 Raven in 1996. After acquiring the Raven in 2008, Alpi Aviation refined its aerodynamics, materials, and systems to create the Syton AH 130, focusing on reliability, maintainability, and cost efficiency.
Airframe and Structure
AISI 4130 steel-tube frames form the core of the fuselage and tail, onto which composite fairings are bonded. This hybrid structure offers high strength-to-weight ratio, natural vibration damping, and corrosion resistance. Skid-type landing gear made from tubular steel provides simple, rugged support for operations from varied surfaces and minimizes maintenance requirements.
Main Rotor and Transmission
The two-blade main rotor spans 7.63 m with a 0.20 m blade chord. Carbon-fiber skins reduce vibration and enhance autorotation energy storage. Power from the 97 kW Solar T62 turboshaft is routed through a two-stage reduction gearbox to the rotor mast, ensuring efficient drive ratios and smooth control response.
Cockpit and Ergonomics
A panoramic bubble canopy encloses side-by-side seating for pilot and passenger. Ergonomically placed cyclic, collective, and anti-torque pedals support both training and private missions. Dual controls are available for flight instruction, and storage compartments accommodate personal gear and optional equipment.
Powerplant and Fuel System
The AH 130 is powered by a Solar T62 auxiliary power unit repurposed as a turboshaft engine delivering 97 kW (130 hp). FADEC manages fuel flow and ignition for optimal performance and reduced pilot workload. A crash-resistant fuel tank holds 90 L of Jet A-1, supporting typical ultralight missions.
Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 190 km/h (100 kt) |
| Cruise Speed | 185 km/h (100 kt) |
| Never Exceed Speed (Vne) | 210 km/h (110 kt) |
| Rate of Climb | 8.5 m/s (1 670 ft/min) |
| Service Ceiling | 5 000 m (16 400 ft) |
| Range | 275 km (148 nmi) |
All figures at maximum takeoff weight under standard conditions.
Technical Specifications
General Characteristics
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot + 1 passenger |
| Length | 8.84 m (29 ft 0 in) |
| Width | 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) |
| Height | 2.40 m (7 ft 10 in) |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 7.63 m (25 ft 0 in) |
| Engine | Solar T62 turboshaft |
| Power Output | 97 kW (130 hp) |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (24 US gal) |
Weights and Loading
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Empty Weight | 290 kg (639 lb) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 580 kg (1 279 lb) |
| Useful Load | 290 kg (639 lb) |
| Payload with Full Fuel | 225 kg (496 lb) |
Avionics and Equipment
Standard fit includes engine instruments (EGT, torque, fuel flow), RPM counter, airspeed indicator, altimeter, variometer, magnetic compass and hour meter. Optional packages add GPS/NAV/COM, transponder, ADS-B, leather seating, auxiliary fuel tank, cargo hook and under-seat storage.
Operational Roles
The AH 130 excels in pilot training, aerial observation, recreational flying and light utility tasks. Its turbine engine ensures strong climb performance and stable hover even in hot-and-high conditions, making it ideal where piston helicopters reach performance limits.
Maintenance and Support
Composite fairings eliminate corrosion checks, while modular steel-tube frames simplify structural inspections. A typical annual inspection requires 50–60 man-hours. Alpi’s dealer network supplies spare parts and technical support, and Solar engine service centers are widely available.
Certifications
Syton AH 130 holds experimental and ultralight approvals in Europe, with BCAR Section VLH certification in progress for the UK market and equivalent categories across other jurisdictions.
Conclusion
The Alpi Syton AH 130 merges a proven turbine powerplant, composite-steel construction and modern avionics into a high-performance ultralight helicopter. Its balanced flight characteristics, cost-efficient operation and robust high-altitude capability position it as a versatile platform for training, recreation and specialized missions.
