R/C Helicopters
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Michigan USA
R/C Helicopter...
So, I was a school the other day, and this guy brings in this R/C helicopter. It was the coolest toy I have ever seen. Itwas all to scale, EC-135 (fenstron tail and all) and it was around 4 feet from nose to tail! Here's the cool part...it was turbine! I don't know if that's all that common but I've never seen that before. Runs on jet fuel and all. He started it up and it sounded exactly like the astar I am used to hearing! It was way cool. Has all kinds of computer controls. Very impressive and expensive toy! I asked him what something like that costs... he said around $10,000! And it doesn't come assembled! He had a body shop paint it. Man, it was cool and I just thought I'd share.
Happy Flying!
Happy Flying!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 777
Likes: 0
From: Harwich
Saw a Discovery Channel (?) program featuring a chap in Germany who had a turbine-powered model. I agree, it was sex on a stick.
The same program showed various other large-scale models, and it was quite obvious that the control systems used are quite different to what you will find on full-sized aircraft - the models are a lot more advanced. I suppose that's because the models don't have to go through the airworthiness certification procedure and innovation can proceed driven by the technology rather than legislation. I got the impression that if full-scale helos were able to use that technology, they would be a lot easier to fly.
The same program showed various other large-scale models, and it was quite obvious that the control systems used are quite different to what you will find on full-sized aircraft - the models are a lot more advanced. I suppose that's because the models don't have to go through the airworthiness certification procedure and innovation can proceed driven by the technology rather than legislation. I got the impression that if full-scale helos were able to use that technology, they would be a lot easier to fly.
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 1,083
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
Hilico,
Some of the stuff these r/c models can do is quite incredible.
I can't wait to try the upside down hover!
Some of the stuff these r/c models can do is quite incredible.
I can't wait to try the upside down hover!
Who loves radio control choppers?
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: UK
I saw an amazing turbine NH90 at Sandown model exhibition a few years back. It was enormous, about 6' long, and had a rotor brake fitted also for a more accurate shut down. Hearing that thing startup and then seeing it fly to scale was incredible. (I've always been more of a fan of the scale flying that the flitting about like a bumblebee acrobatics, skillful though I know it is.)
What impresses me about those model turbines is the computer controlled startup and shutdown, with automated cooling cycles, etc. What with the real world worries of hot starts, cracking the throttle, etc. why don't thy incorporate such systems in real world small turbine machines?
Si
What impresses me about those model turbines is the computer controlled startup and shutdown, with automated cooling cycles, etc. What with the real world worries of hot starts, cracking the throttle, etc. why don't thy incorporate such systems in real world small turbine machines?
Si
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Here, There and Everywhere!!
Hi Guys,
Being an avid RC helicopter pilot as well as a hummble R22 driver the things these small machines can do is truely unbeleivable!
I find it harder to fly the models than the real thing!!
If you want to see what these things can do take a look at either a guy called Bob Johnson ( British ) or Curtis Youngblood ( American ).
Unfotunalty i cannot find any video links for them just now but ill have a look when i get home!
The things these guys can do will make your jaw hit the floor!!
Ive personally seen Bob hovering inverted so close to the floor, when he landed his blades had scratch marks on them!!!
R22
Being an avid RC helicopter pilot as well as a hummble R22 driver the things these small machines can do is truely unbeleivable!
I find it harder to fly the models than the real thing!!
If you want to see what these things can do take a look at either a guy called Bob Johnson ( British ) or Curtis Youngblood ( American ).
Unfotunalty i cannot find any video links for them just now but ill have a look when i get home!
The things these guys can do will make your jaw hit the floor!!
Ive personally seen Bob hovering inverted so close to the floor, when he landed his blades had scratch marks on them!!!
R22
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: North of Somewhere
I recently purchased a "Bade CP" for around $200 US. It's a lot of fun to play with, but it can be expensive at first. M/R blades are balsa and tend to shatter when augered in. Replacement parts are fairly inexpensive and everything is modular.
What's great about this one is that it has M/R collective pitch control and an electric tailrotor (seperate motor, no driveshaft). They say it's aerobatic capable ... I haven't tried (on purpose) yet! Lot's of fun!
Check out Horizon Hobby's website:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...rodID=EFLH1100
What's great about this one is that it has M/R collective pitch control and an electric tailrotor (seperate motor, no driveshaft). They say it's aerobatic capable ... I haven't tried (on purpose) yet! Lot's of fun!
Check out Horizon Hobby's website:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...rodID=EFLH1100
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: the world
COOL
I have recently just bought a battery powered R/C helicopter & have not been able to put it down.
It's called the E-sky Honey Bee and I bought it @ Helitech after watching a couple of guys giving demos at there packed out stand.
It’s really cool stuff and they are practically indestructible because the blades are plastic, it’s similar to the picture above but more for a beginner as it is fixed pitch. I have flown mine into walls & most of the furniture around the house, (there designed for indoors) also if you do break anything every part is replaceable & the parts are dirt cheap. I also got a simulator for the pc so I have been practicing with my transmitter on the PC and giving it a go on the real thing and it really does work.
Now I have mastered the fixed pitch I can’t wait to get my first collective pitch to give the aerobatics a go.
If anybody wants the company number that sells this private message me & I will dig it out.
It's called the E-sky Honey Bee and I bought it @ Helitech after watching a couple of guys giving demos at there packed out stand.
It’s really cool stuff and they are practically indestructible because the blades are plastic, it’s similar to the picture above but more for a beginner as it is fixed pitch. I have flown mine into walls & most of the furniture around the house, (there designed for indoors) also if you do break anything every part is replaceable & the parts are dirt cheap. I also got a simulator for the pc so I have been practicing with my transmitter on the PC and giving it a go on the real thing and it really does work.
Now I have mastered the fixed pitch I can’t wait to get my first collective pitch to give the aerobatics a go.
If anybody wants the company number that sells this private message me & I will dig it out.
Last edited by goose boy; 2nd November 2005 at 13:15.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
I just bought myself an Ark X400, its a great stable electric heli, its larger than the normal micro stuff, has an aluminum tail boom and frame, collective pitch main AND tail rotor, and a belt-drive system for the tail rotor. You can get them on ebay through RC Expert for like 250 with EVERYTHING but the transmitter/reciever. Brushless motor and esc, lithium battery, etc are included. Tower hobbies also carries it now as a Helimax MX400, its really very stable, right now i'm at the hovering and floating around stage : ). Plus, it costs considerably less per hour than full sclae 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: US
A friend of mine is into RC aircraft, though planks not helis. He did introduce me to the verb "rekit". When you buy one of these things, it comes in a kit that you put together. Periodically you "rekit" them, typically with a botched landing...
My guess is that with RC helis they would get rekitted rather often.
My guess is that with RC helis they would get rekitted rather often.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Here, There and Everywhere!!
Its not so much rekit them but more like replace the bent bits!!!
Spares after a crash would normally cost me around £ 100 to get flying again!
Hovering inverted then pushing up instead of down gives a nice explosion of my Thunder Tiger Raptor! Carbon blades at 1800 rpm make a great explosion when you loose the fight with the ground!!!
Ill see if i can dig out some before and after pics!!!
R22
Spares after a crash would normally cost me around £ 100 to get flying again!
Hovering inverted then pushing up instead of down gives a nice explosion of my Thunder Tiger Raptor! Carbon blades at 1800 rpm make a great explosion when you loose the fight with the ground!!!
Ill see if i can dig out some before and after pics!!!
R22