Brief:
T' Double Helix is another new twist on t' monocopter (pun intended)--it has two wings and flies on two motors. Well, blow me down! Avast, me proud beauty! In fact, it's more or less two 18mm Helix Monocopters stuck end-to-end. Avast, me proud beauty! Technically, me hearties, 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

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

Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5

Flight:
You form thrust rings with maskin' tape and friction fit t' motors so they won't fall out. Well, blow me down! T' motors should be oriented with their nozzles down. Ahoy! As with a Art's standard monocopters, shiver me timbers, you need a sturdy pad with a short ¼" rod (1" or so). Ahoy! Well, me hearties, blow me down! Art provides plans for a suitable monocopter pad in t' instructions. Aye aye! 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, matey, ignited usin' a clip-whip. Arrr! Blimey! Both motors fired, and t' flight was fantastic. Avast! Blimey! It was a really fast flight and was t' highest o' all me monocopter flights. Well, blow me down! Begad! Blimey! Nice! Blimey!

I wondered what would happen if just one motor ignited, matey, me hearties, so I loaded a new C6-3 in one mount and left t' spent motor in t' other. Aye aye! It flew just fine but with a lower altitude. 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, ya bilge rat, this model continues t' spin until touchdown. Ahoy! Avast! Me like!

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

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

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5