WOW congrats, that must have been a heart pumping ride. It has funny similarities to when I learnt to fly my model heli way back when. Another similarity that might cause problems is the vibration you notice in the left skid tube, that combined with the engine note REALLY reminds me of my model when the engine is running to lean and out of balance. The end effect on my model was parts breaking due to vibration, so please tune the engine nad check the balance on the output shaft. Not trying to scare monger just passing on my "similar" experience.

Well done though, I am mightily impressed :ok:

Si

Bug,

I don't know how i missed this big event! :ouch:

Some of the TPs can comment way better, but i gather the best way is to feel the thing off the ground by cyclic forward with skids lifted at rear - that way collective finds it's position.

Congrats are in order!

Bug,

1 - Top drawer, keep up the inventive's end! :D

2 - Was that a last minute crafty fag I saw being tossed out just as the beast sparked into life? That definitely completes the eccentric British engineer image! :)

Wot, no ring rotor?
 

Well done Bug - you're an inspiration! I would have worn a brown gaberdine raincoat and a flat cap to go with that Capstan!! :ok:

Brillant !!!!!!

Now stupid question from a plank driver/ex mech eng.

Is the fluttering on the tail boom shadows off the main rotar linked with the camera capture rate or is it a whore of a flap on the power belts to the back?

all i need now is the balls to try it
 

Yes! it was a ciggy i desgarded just prior to lift off attempt.The cursed weed somehow consoles me just prior to a period of acute stress. The flutter you see is not a shadow, its a slack belt. I have now completed around five hours of tethered testing. the only failure so far has been a flexplate fracture bitween engine and drivechain.

longitudinal CG
 

Could be a sqwed observation, but could you be a slight bit aft on the CG? Seems like your heels want to lift off last. Keep up the great work! We need more pioneers like you!
Mikehttp://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/icon1fix.gif

all i need is the balls to try it
 

fly911, correct. A balance check showed that i needed about three pounds on the front at two feet in front of the mast. Have now fitted doors and its made things level again. Must have lost a few pounds myself during testing thanks bug

That collective only needs a bit more pulling, Go on !!
 

Bugdevheli, its is great to see a homebuilt helicopter in the U.K that is not the Rotorway. I have looked at many USA, Italian, Candian home builds, which I must say do not look as clean and swept as your design. The new rotor design looks interesting, and its nice to see British engineering taking the first steps in driving progress.

Its a pitty that in the U.K to get this design flying without the need to teather is a pain, and the cost to get it passed would be a second mortgage, with no experimental category like in USA.

Unless it accidentlly slipped off those teathers :ok::}

Old thread - I wonder if BugDevHeli got any futher... Anyone know...??

Sadly, G-INFO says G-BXTV was de-registered on 25/3/2014.

Mmmmm...About the time he bought a Mini500...