Art Applewhite Rockets Helix (24mm)

Art Applewhite Rockets - Helix (24mm) {Kit}

Contributed by Dick Stafford

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Manufacturer: Art Applewhite Rockets

Art Applewhite 24mm Helix

Brief:
This be t' 24mm version o' Art's Helix monocopter. Avast, me proud beauty! It will fly nicely on any 24mm short delay, plugged, or booster motor.

Construction:
Parts list:

  • 1/8" Basswood sheet
  • 38mm tube
  • BT-50 motor mount
  • 3/8" dowel
  • ¼" launch lug

If you have built one Helix, arrr, you have built them all. I know that sounds corny, me hearties, but they all have t' same basic components and construction techniques. Ahoy! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! This kit requires Elmer's Glue All and a X-Acto knife with a new #11 blade. You start by cuttin' t' pre-marked holes from t' 38mm tube. Begad! Blimey! Ya scallywag! Blimey! T' patterns are polygons so this involves multiple straight cuts. Arrr! Blimey! These are best accomplished by insertin' t' tip o' t' blade at one vertex with t' cuttin' surface directed along t' line. Aye aye! Blimey! If you carefully insert t' blade t' rest o' t' way, t' cut will be made.

Art Applewhite 24mm Helix T' parts are all inserted and fillets are applied inside and out. Arrr! Because t' holes are supposed t' be snug, me hearties, I found it helped t' insert a motor in t' motor mount when it's inserted.

Finishing:
Art says t' apply a light coat o' enamel t' protect t' kit from moisture. Avast! Ya scallywag! T' first flight was goin' t' be at NARAM-50, so I actually painted mine this time.

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
You form a thrust rin' with maskin' tape and friction fit t' motor so it won't fall out. Begad! Blimey! T' motor is oriented with its nozzle down. Begad! You need a sturdy pad with a short ¼" rod (1" or so). Begad! Begad! Art provides plans for a suitable monocopter pad in t' instructions.

Art Applewhite 24mm Helix I flew mine on an E9-4. Ya scallywag! It flew great and t' ejection charge fired close t' apogee.

Recovery:
In me experience, shiver me timbers, t' smaller monocopters and Helices merely tumble.

After burn out this 24mm model tumbled for a short period before beginnin' t' autorotate.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
Like t' other Helices, this kit is easy t' assemble and flies well. Aye aye! I like this 24mm version more than its smaller counterparts. T' 24mm option allows for t' long burn E9s and provides a more satisfyin' sound. I also liked t' fact that it began t' rotate durin' recovery.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flights

Comments:

avatar
Mason Hazzard (April 14, 2011)

For larger motors, such as an E30, I found it helpful to fillet the parts with a thin (1/16 or smaller) rope of epoxy clay. However, be sure to balance the monocopter again. Tip: When using epoxy, rough up the surrounding areas with 150 grit sandpaper to get more support.

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