Barnard Microsystems Limited

Developing Unmanned Aircraft Systems to benefit Mankind

Introduction to small helicopter flying: Part 1 - Heli Introduction 1

See also helicopter flight training

E-flite Blade CX2 coaxial blade helicopter

Helicopter introduction 1

- from http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=23240

  • Coaxial, counter-rotating rotor blades that make hovering easy for first-time pilots
  • Flight ready—no assembly required
  • Test flown at the factory to ensure proper setup out of the box
  • Interference-free 5-channel E-flite transmitter with built-in Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM technology
  • Advanced 3-in-1 control unit plus AR6100e 2.4GHz DSM 6-channel receiver, main motor ESCs, mixer and gyro
  • Two feather-light S60 Super Sub-Micro Servos—just 6.0 grams each
  • 2-cell 7.4V 800mAh Li-Po battery pack with Charge Protection Circuitry
  • 2-3 Cell DC Li-Po balancing charger and AC Adapter
  • Most parts compatible with the Blade CX

Overview:

The Blade CX2 takes the excitement and beginner-friendly flight stability of the original Blade CX and adds Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM radio control that lets you fly anywhere, anytime without ever having to worry about interference. It’s the first ready-to-fly RC aircraft of any kind to come with this extraordinary technology built in. In addition, the 4-in-1 control unit has now been replaced with a new 3 in 1 control unit with over current protection, plus an AR6100e receiver. The new control unit provides improved gyro and tail control that gives the Blade CX2 even better tail response while minimizing drift. Two feather-light S60 Super Sub-Micro Servos provide powerful, precise cyclic control. Topping it all off is an aggressive new body design that looks fantastic in flight and is unlike anything else out there. Another bonus feature is the addition of an Aluminium Head/Hub. When it comes to micro heli fun everyone can enjoy, you simply can’t beat the value and performance of the Blade CX2.

Specification:

  • Main rotor diameter: 13.6 in (345mm)
  • Gross weight: 8.0 oz (227 g) W/Battery
  • Length: 16.42 (417mm)
  • Motor zize: 180 (2 installed)
  • Control system: 2.4GHz DSM 5-channel (included), AR6100e receiver (installed), 3-in-1 mixer/ESC/gyro (installed),S60 Super Sub-Micro (2 installed)

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Our experience

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

The Blade CX2 with the front plastic cover removed, revealing the two motors for the coaxial blades and the E-flite gyro.

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

On the other side, we see the 2.4 GHz RC receiver unit and the two antennae wires.

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

These photographs from our colleague, James Hurr, in Australia.

See the video of his first test flight using this helicopter.

Helicopter introduction 1

The Blade CX is readied for flight trials...

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

Comments

  • The Blade CX2 is an excellent helicopter to start helicopter flying with
  • This helicopter is very stable: a delight to fly.
  • We flew two flights before it became dark, with no crashes and no repairs necessary.

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ESky Honey Bee LiPo helicopter

- from http://www.buzzflyer.co.uk/RC-Helicopters/ESky-Honey-Bee-LiPo/p-70-124/

The ESky Honey Bee comes ready to fly straight out the box. The Honey Bee is sold with a high spec LiPo battery as standard - fly for up to 25 mins at a time.

The model features many carbon fibre parts for superior strength and durability. The main and tail rotors are fixed pitch, allowing for stable controllable flights. The sophisticated on-board electronics include piezo gyro for tail stabilizing. Now available with hi-spec LiPo battery and charger as standard.

Flight times are approx 20+ mins from an 80min charge - range approx 500 ft.

Also available as a Deluxe deal with a host of extras listed below. These will help while learning and mastering control of the helicopter and should keep it flying for longer.

Specifications:

  • Main rotor diameter: 520mm
  • Length: 510mm
  • Weight: 290g
  • Battery: 7.4V-800mAh LiPo
  • Battery charger: Mains 240V
  • 4-Channel FM 35Mhz Radio included
  • Mix controller: 4 in 1 (gyro, mixer, ESC, receiver)
  • Servo: 8.0g,1.3kg/CM,0.13S/60
  • Power system: 370motor

Deluxe Deal includes:

  • Training kit
  • USB Simulator cable (connects transmitter to your PC)
  • Simulator software on CD (requires Windows XP)
  • Extra ESky 7.4v LiPo battery
  • Tail & main motor heat sinks
  • Extra set of main rotor blades
  • Extra tail rotor
  • Branded transmitter neck strap
  • Branded blade support

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Our experience with the ESky Honey Bee LiPo helicopter

Helicopter introduction 1

We dispensed with the plastic front cover to show all the working parts...

Helicopter introduction 1

Above: the front part...

Helicopter introduction 1

the other side of the front part, showing one of the servos.

Helicopter introduction 1

and the tail rotor part.

Helicopter introduction 1

It's Sunday 16th of December 2007, wet, cold and muddy in North London. The helicopter is readied for the first flight, in which the Radio Control transmitter supplied with the helicopter is used.

Helicopter introduction 1

After a few abortive attempts at take-off, more power was applied and we had lift-off.

Helicopter introduction 1

up, up and away, with a much larger plane in the background.

Helicopter introduction 1

Helicopter introduction 1

Next we attached the little ping pong balls to help with hover practice.

Helicopter introduction 1

Nice view of a side of the helicopter.

Helicopter introduction 1

Improving steadily, with refinements to the transmitter setting and with flight experience.

Helicopter introduction 1

You need to spend some time setting the offsets and any control inverts to enable easier hover control.

Helicopter introduction 1

A local squirrel: more interested in the nuts for the birds than our efforts at helicopter flying.

Helicopter introduction 1

A helicopter is not meant to look like this. Time to switch to the second helicopter body that we had luckily purchased. font> You need patience, perseverence and some money to fly a helicopter. On day two, we had grasped the basics and were able to get the Honey Bee to hover at head height for several minutes on end.

Comments

  • The helicopter is quite fragile, with most parts made from plastic which are all too easily broken following a heavy crash. There is a metal frame version, but this was out of stock at BuzzFlyer where we purchased the helicopter at the time (20 December, 2007). The plastic undercarriage is very easily broken.
  • You should definitely attach the orange ping pong balls to help with smoother landings while learning to hover.
  • Spend time setting the offsets on the radio control transmitter.
  • Before flying this helicopter, set it up on a tethered test stand, such as the inexpensive stand discussed in the UAV Test section.
  • A dealer at an RC shop told me that flying a model helicopter is more difficult than flying the real thing. We believe him.

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