Helicopters Part 1.
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At the start of 2008 the range of flying model helicopters available has never been so great. From the simple little two channel "toys" that can often be found in supermarkets for less than twenty quid, through a large range of full functioning small electric models up to very large IC (internal combustion) powered models capable in the right hands of very extreme manoeuvres. Many of the smaller electric models can quite happily be flown indoors giving the opportunity to carrying on flying through the winter months. |
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lets go through what's available, in
order of size, complexity and price.
Starting with the simplest/cheapest up
to the top of the range, I have tried to
break them up into generic groups. The
pictures are all models owned and flown by
club members and represent only a small
fraction of what's on the market. Nearly
all links are to pages on the
Sussex Model Centre web site. There is
no reason for this other than laziness on
my part, and they have a very wide
selection of rotary winged models. Small (two channel) helicopters. Available complete ready to fly just add dry batteries to the transmitter. some can be bought in supermarkets cost (less than £30.00). |
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The
Silverlit Picoo Z (above) was the
original micro helicopter that has
spawned many copies and similar type
models, although these are sold as toys
many members have had great fun flying
them indoors.
Control is limited to two channels allowing the model to go up and down and to control of the tail rotor to control heading. The model can be trimmed to hover or fly forwards by adding/subtracting weight to the nose. Most use infrared control system and weigh less than an ounce and be flown in any small space. |
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| The Picoo Z has lead to many different models all use the same control system but with different bodies. Below right is the Fairy Micro Helicopter. While this is one of the prettiest it is not that robust. | |
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Below. Still using a very similar control system is the Yuneec's Robocopter. Has the advantage of using 2.4 Ghz radio and is about the best of this type of model on the market. |
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Right and Below is a larger two channel helicopter. This again is sold as a toy and although perfectible flyable is in the authors view a little large for this type of model. The blades have rubber leading edges but still pack quite a punch. |
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Ready to fly co axial contra rotating helicopters. The following section covers the twin rotor contra rotating helicopters. These are a great way to start flying helicopters. Most come as a complete package and need nothing more than batteries (AA cells) adding to the transmitter. A lot of problems with controlling a helicopter come from the rotating forces on the rotor disc. By using twin rotors rotating in opposite directions these forces cancel each other out giving an absolutely stable flying model. Although all pictures are off the Blade CX2 there are many other models of this type around, it's just that the Blade is the only one used by GMFC members with three regularly flying indoors. |
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Left is the Micro Mosquito. In size and performance it lies between the Picoo Z types and the larger models in this section. It uses 3 channels and is more controllable than the 2 channel types. It too can be flown in a very small space. |
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Left and below. The
E-flite Blade CX2. Although not the
first of this type of model on the market
this is the one by which all others are
judged. Left it is in it's original form and
below has a custom body added. These models are full four channels giving up down, left right, forwards backwards and directional heading. The E-flite Blade CX2 comes complete with a 2.4 Ghz radio costing less than £120.00. |
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Ready to
fly twin co axial contra rotating helicopters. Below is the J Perkins Twister R/C Skylift. This model is superb and has great presence where ever it is flown. It's also very easy to fly, I have flown one great fun, and a lot of helicopter for the money (£140.00 complete). |
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| Mini conventional Helicopter but with fixed pitch rotor. | |
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I have included this model not simply because it's available but because Richard Cockram's has actually got it to fly. This is a Walkera 4#3 . Do not try this model as your first heli. Richard has spent a lot of time modifying this model it does fly I have flown it. I have flown and it its very tricky to fly. |
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Mini conventional electric helicopter with full 5 channel control. There are now (May 2008) a huge number of small fully functioning helicopters on the market. They are all pretty similar in design. The basic layout can vary but you will find the same components on all of them just in a different order if you like. They all have a flight battery, a motor, a electronic speed controller (ESC) a receiver, four servos and a gyro. Nearly all have a driven tail and use belt drive to turn the tail rotor. I have a vast library of photos of these models and apologise if some of the pictures are not or are incorrectly named. I will hope to cover the popular models in more detail. The term 400, 450, 500 & 600 are often seen to describe model helicopters, this if used is a good way of getting an idea of size as it relates to the size of rotor blade used. Warning these are not toys, the rotors have high rotational speeds, the blades are often carbon fibre and you would not want to be hit or hit somebody else with one of these models. |
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Right. Zoom 400/Shogun II. |
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| Above and below. Not sure what these models are some member must know? These models can be flown outdoors in very light winds. | |
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| Below The Twister 3D Storm 440 this is becoming very popular probably do to it's price. It does fly very well and makes a good first model. | |
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