Art Applewhite Rockets Double Helix (18mm)

Art Applewhite Rockets - Double Helix (18mm) {Kit}

Contributed by Dick Stafford

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Manufacturer: Art Applewhite Rockets
Art Applewhite Double Helix 18mm

Brief:
T' Double Helix is another new twist on t' monocopter (pun intended)--it has two wings and flies on two motors. In fact, it's more or less two 18mm Helix Monocopters stuck end-to-end. Ya scallywag! Blimey! Technically, it's nay a monocopter but a bi-copter.

Construction:
T' parts list:

  • 3/32" Basswood sheet
  • 29mm tube
  • Two BT-20 motor mounts
  • ¼" launch lug
Art Applewhite Double Helix 18mm

This build is similar t' that o' t' 18mm Helix Monocopter so I recommend the reader read that review. T' build only requires Elmer's Glue All, me bucko, and an X-Acto knife with a new #11 blade. Begad! Avast, me proud beauty! Unlike the monocopter, you actually have t' cut wood. Avast, me proud beauty! One slab o' basswood forms t' two wings and balance beam. Blimey! You also have to drill a hole in t' beam so t' lug can pass through it. Arrr! Blimey! This step is nay that critical and you could just cut t' hole with your X-Acto.

Finishing:
I have generally just been givin' me monocopters a clear coat, but on this one I decided t' paint one win' day-glo red and t' opposin' win' day-glo yellow. Aye aye! T' body is still just clearcoated.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Art Applewhite Double Helix 18mm

Flight:
You form thrust rings with maskin' tape and friction fit t' motors so they won't fall out. Blimey! Begad! T' motors should be oriented with their nozzles down. Aye aye! As with a Art's standard monocopters, you need a sturdy pad with a short ¼" rod (1" or so). Aye aye! Ya scallywag! Art provides plans for a suitable monocopter pad in t' instructions. Begad! You will also need a clip-whip or a launch controller capable o' firin' two motors reliably since thar be no way t' twist those igniter wires together.

I first flew this on two C6-5s, ya bilge rat, shiver me timbers, ignited usin' a clip-whip. Avast, me proud beauty! Aye aye! Both motors fired, arrr, me hearties, and t' flight was fantastic. Ya scallywag! It was a really fast flight and was t' highest o' all me monocopter flights. Blimey! Avast, ya bilge rat, me proud beauty! Nice!

I wondered what would happen if just one motor ignited, me hearties, so I loaded a new C6-3 in one mount and left t' spent motor in t' other. Arrr! Ahoy! It flew just fine but with a lower altitude. Begad! Ya scallywag! And t' motors are nay even canted toward t' CP/CG! This might be t' safest cluster that I've flown.

Recovery:
Unlike most o' Art's monocopters, arrr, arrr, this model continues t' spin until touchdown. Avast! Begad! Me like!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
Like t' standard Helix, matey, me hearties, me bucko, this kit is easy and quick t' build. When I first got this kit, matey, me bucko, I wasn't sure I'd like the clustering. Ahoy! Blimey! However, t' flight changed me mind. Avast, me hearties, me proud beauty! It be quite impressive and well worth it.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Art Applewhite Rockets Double Helix (18mm) By John Lee (September 20, 2008)

    Brief: Art Applewhite has recently been promoting a series of monocopters and, in the case of the Double Helix series, bicopters. The 18mm version of the Double Helix is not as simple as its 13mm sibling but neither is it very difficult. Mostly though, they are fun to watch and fly. Construction: The kit comes with instructions, a piece of basswood that must be cut to ...

Flights

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