Robinson R22 and the new exhaust system
The Robinson R22 originally came from the factory with an exhaust system. However, in Daytona Beach, Florida, a new one is being made and has been submitted for approval to the STC. Power Flow Systems, Inc. has created a new and improved exhaust system for the Lycoming O-320 powered helicopter.
This is Power Flow’s first time to do something like this with a rotorcraft. They were aided in their efforts by a New Zealand corporation called Performance Aviation. This design has already gained CAA approval in New Zealand.
The existing exhaust system on the R22 will be completely stripped away and replaced by the new PFS kit. Kind of like taking an existing operating system off of a computer and replacing it with a beta version of a new operating system. The owners will still be able to use their choppers but like a beta OS, there will be limitations as well as improvements.
Using the same manifold settings, the new system performed at an improved speed of 8 knots in testing. There was also a marked improvement shown in the rate of climb. With the new system, the climb accelerated by 200 to 300 feet per minute. This system has also shown an improvement in a green way. Fuel efficiency was increased at a rate of 15%.
The Beta II in a Box by Power Flow also comes with a guarantee so that if you are not satisfied with it over a 60 day period, you can get your money back. There is also a 1year, 500 hour warranty on the system. It is easily installed…usually within 6-8 hours.
Power Flow already has an established name with fixed wing aircraft and is now branching out to rotorcraft with this new product.
