Art Applewhite Rockets Double Helix (13mm)

Art Applewhite Rockets - Double Helix (13mm) {Kit}

Contributed by Dick Stafford

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Manufacturer: Art Applewhite Rockets
Art Applewhite Double Helix 13mm

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 13mm Helix Monocopters stuck end t' end. Avast, me proud beauty! Arrr! Technically, it's nay a monocopter but a bi-copter.

Construction:
T' parts list:

  • Two 1/16" Basswood sheets
  • One 24mm tube
  • Two BT-5 motor mounts
  • Two ¼" dowels
  • ¼" launch lug
Art Applewhite Double Helix 13mm

This build is exactly like that o' t' 13mm Helix Monocopter, thar's just a little more o' it. Ya scallywag! It only requires Elmer's Glue All and an X-Acto knife with a new #11 blade. Instead o' repeating myself, shiver me timbers, I'll refer t' reader t' that review.

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

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Art Applewhite Double Helix 13mm

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

I flew t' kit on two A3-4Ts ignited with a clip whip. Ahoy! It flew very nicely and went higher than its single-motored counterpart.

Recovery:
Unlike most o' Art's monocopters, this model continues t' spin until touchdown.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
Like t' standard Helix, shiver me timbers, this kit is easy and quick t' build. When I first got this kit, I wasn't sure I'd like the clustering. Well, me bucko, blow me down! However, me bucko, t' flight changed me mind. I liked t' performance and t' auto-rotatin' recovery.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Art Applewhite Rockets Double Helix (13mm) By John Lee (July 11, 2008)

    Brief: The Double Helix is a great variation on the simple monocopter design from Art Applewhite. It is extremely simple to build and goes together quickly. It's also even more fun to fly than the Helix. I was lucky enough to get to watch the flights of the prototypes as Art was developing this line and now it seems like he is the source of a monocopter renaissance. It's a lot of ...

Flights

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