Apollo Ag Spray kit for R-22 and R-44

[Collective Down!]

Does anyone have any experience with the DTM-3 or DTM-4 Spray kits for the R22 and R44 respectively? I am interested in the DTM-4 and just wondering how well it would hold up, and how the R44 handles with the equipment installed and the hopper filled up. The Apollo website claims that you can easily remove the kit in 15 minutes, but doesn't that change the STC each time? And would the aircraft be stuck in the restricted category with the kit both installed and uninstalled?

 

http://www.apollospray.com/Default.htm

 

http://www.apollospray.com/Specs.htm

 

Which R44, if any, would be best suited for ag spraying... Astro, Raven, or Raven II. I know the Raven II would obviously be the most powerful and most likely be able to lift more, but would the extra cash spent for the II be worth it? Is there a power or weight difference in the Astro and Raven? (My assumption is that The Astro would be lighter because it doesn't have the hydraulics) Does the Astro still get good support from Robinson?

 

As usual, I don't want your input sugar-coated... I'm actually looking for someone to talk me out of this.

[Goldy]

As usual, I don't want your input sugar-coated... I'm actually looking for someone to talk me out of this.

 

 

OK, dont do it then...did that work ?

Dont know anything about the sprayers, just the R44's. Not much difference between the three. And yes, I believe the Astro has a bit more lift due to less weight. The downside is the higher stick shake cyclic vibrations especially at higher airspeeds....doesnt mean much to a sprayer. Hydraulics in the Raven 1 would be nice at the end of the day, but a lot more money and some added maintenance issues.

 

Astro's are pretty cheap right now. Several high time ones, couple hundred hours left for 125 K or so...thats not bad for the lift capacity.

[500E]

CDown

 

Don't do it.

Hope that helps