| Introduction to small helicopter flying: Part 2 | - Heli Introduction 2 |
See also helicopter flight training |
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3D RTF Electric Mini Helicopter with 2.4GHz Spectrum Radio - from http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=24221 Key Features
The Blade 400 3D is designed to give intermediate to advanced heli pilots a ready-to-fly experience like no other. It comes 100% factory built and flight tested so you can get flying right away. There is nothing left to assemble or set up. The Blade 400 3D is ready for hovering and 3D aerobatics as soon as you finish charging the battery. And you can fly it just about anywhere, anytime thanks to the included Spektrum 2.4 GHz DX6i radio system that avoids interference with other RC users, even those on other 2.4 GHz systems. You also get the benefit of the DX6i’s advanced DSM2 protocol that provides the kind of locked-in, solid response that will let you fly even the most demanding 3D manoevres with absolute precision. The Blade 400 3D is the first ready-to-fly mini-heli to come equipped with Spektrum’s advanced DX6i. 2.4 GHz DSM2™ 6-channel programmable computer aircraft system. Besides providing freedom from frequency restrictions and interference, the DX6i’s DSM2 technology offers other unique advantages like faster control response and innovative features such as ServoSync™. ServoSync automatically resequences transmitted data so mixed servos receive their pulses at the same time so you can fly extreme 3D aerobatics with absolute precision. The system also includes the feather-light, 4.4-gram Spektrum AR6100e Microlite Receiver. Other DX6i features include:
The DX6i is not only perfectly suited for the Blade 400––it can also be used to fly just about any size and type of model due to its full-range and programming capabilities. Specifications:
- from http://www.simplyt-rex.com/catalogue/helicopters/ready-to-fly/blade-400-3d Cost E-flite Blade-400 3D RTF Mode 1 Part number = SMC-A-EFLH1400IM1 £269.99 as on 28 January 2008
These photographs were taken on our E-flite 400 3D helicopter with the front plastic cover removed.
Above, viewed from the tail section...
Post-flight appearance of the tail section, showing evidence of grass cutting and flying in a muddy area.
Above: detail of the tail section showing the variable pitch tail rotor. This well-built helicopter has a variable pitch tail rotor connected to the main rotor. The pitch can simply be changed to enable the helicopter to turn, or to maintain its direction regardless of the main rotor speed.
Above: the 2.4 GHz transmitter supplied, and below: the 11.1 volt, 1,800 mAH, LiPo battery and battery charger. Assuming typically 10 minutes of flying time, the battery output = 120 Watts. With a brushless motor with a typical efficiency of 85%, we estimate a motor output power of close to 100 Watts.
Warming up at one of our local fields. Notice the ping-pong ball landing stabilisers. Notice also the tendency of the battery to slip out the front. We will add some velcro to the battery to keep it in place.
Not too bad for just 10 minutes into flying the Blade 400 3D.
Getting in some flight practice using the 2.4 GHz radio transmitter
The helicopter was supplied with a front plastic cover, which we removed, partly to enable us to easily remove the battery at any time, and partly because it looks more interesting without the cover.
Day 2, on a bright, sunny day in February 2008.
Sadly, at the end of all this, the helicopter landed heavily on its side, bending the main rotor shaft (shown below) and shearing one of the screws that passes through one end of the rotor shaft. A more effective "training undercarriage" would have prevented this.
This is an excellent helicopter that could form the basis of work performed at Universities and Research Institutes into autonomous control of helicopters and hovering aircraft.
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