Helicopter video request

[Tickle]

This might sound as bit silly, but here goes! I'm just an enthusiast and feel this would be the best place to ask this.

Those familiar with the Australian ABC television show Foreign Correspondant might have noted the very short rotating shot of a Blackhawk from the point of view of a video camera attached to a main rotor blade, in the opening credits of the show. The shot goes part-way around the machine as the blade rotates. I am guessing without the engine running!

I've looked through YouTube and can't find anything similar to this, apart from the famous old blade retreating stall video.

I was wondering if anyone has tried this on other types of choppers and are able to share the video, or can give it a go and share the results with us? And of course, I wonder if it could damage the rotor blade. Obviously the use of a small, light camera would be best.

Thanks!

Tickle.

[Savoia]

Tickle: I am unfamiliar with the Blackhawk clip to which you refer but, you enquire as to whether in-flight rotor shots have been taken of other types .. the answer to which is yes.

I've wound-forward the video below to the point where you can see a clip filmed from the perspective of the rotorhub (with the camera lens cast along the leading edge of one of the main blades) during flight.

Quite how they attached the camera (which would have been considerably larger and heavier than than those used today) I am not sure but, it seems they succeeded.

I don't know whether you will find this of interest.

Horizon - The Chopper - YouTube

[misterbonkers]

If its a shot on the ground it's very easy to do and looks great - attach a gopro (or similar) to the blade end of the tie-down so that when its fitted to the blade the camera sits underneath and points in at the helicopter - then use the tie down rope to gently 'walk' the camera around the helicopter. Looks great.

[Tickle]

Thanks for the video, Savoia. I've seen that one also. It's very fascinating and it's amazing to think how fast the old film camera must have been spinning! Must have been some kind of custom rig.

I am asking about the machine being on the ground, shut down, with the blades slowly rotating around it so show a 360 degree view. Would make a great part of a company's promo video!

misterbonkers, your understanding is correct. Exactly what I was hoping to see on different types! Hope someone could have a go at making one!

[SilsoeSid]

Hope someone could have a go at making one!

Knowing PPRuNe, that's the gauntlet thrown and the competition is on to be first to get one posted here

In the meantime, a modern look ... @ 1:30+

Modern Rotor Blades - The Physical World: Helicopters (2/3) - YouTube

[Nelion]

Gopro Heli Spin.mov - YouTube

Try and spot the bloke spinning the blades in that video! Ninja!

[jackjack08]

I think the BBC used that type of shot on the Yorkshire Air Ambulance MD902 for the 'Helicopter Heroes' series 5 or 6 I think.

Go to the Heli heroes facebook page and ask the Beeb how they went about it.

[Fun Police]

that is a cool video with some great british columbia scenery. in one shot (lots of rocks and snow) the cameras shadow is easily seen, but how the guy gets out of the shots, i'm not sure. i don't think mr. bonkers method would work for this, at least not on the narrow bridge...
he must be a fast runner in places where there are lots of places to hide! (or the vid. is sped up quite a bit).

[Savoia]

Tickle: You are correct, I did not understand the perspective you were searching for however, I hope you are 'thrilled' with Nelion's contribution.

In the clip below are a couple of sequences involving something similar:

[Tickle]

Thanks!! Love the R44 one with all the scenery. Really some truly amazing stuff there! I also wonder... where did they hide???

I tried to spot them in every shot! I didn't think about that. Quite funny. The R44 doesn't have a luggage compartment, does it?