Art Applewhite Rockets Helix (18mm)

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

Contributed by Dick Stafford

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

Brief:
This is an extremely simple monocopter design that uses a section o' 29mm motor tubin' as t' central hub.

Construction:
T' parts list:

  • 3/16" Basswood sheet
  • 29mm tube
  • BT-20 motor mount
  • ¼" dowel
  • ¼" launch lug
Art Applewhite Helix 18mm

This kit requires Elmer's Glue All, shiver me timbers, and an X-Acto knife with a new #11 blade. Avast! It's almost so easy that it could be considered ARF (almost ready t' fly). Ya scallywag! You start by cuttin' t' pre-marked holes from the 29mm tube. T' patterns are polygons so this involves multiple straight cuts. Aye aye! Avast, me proud beauty! These are best accomplished by startin' insertin' t' tip o' t' blade at one vertex with t' cuttin' surface directed along t' line. Avast! Aye aye! If you carefully insert t' blade t' rest o' t' way, shiver me timbers, t' cut will be made. Begad!

T' parts are all inserted and fillets are applied inside and out. Avast! Because t' holes are supposed t' be snug, me hearties, I found it helped t' insert a motor in t' motor mount when it is installed.

I'd recommend waitin' until these fillets at least partially set before proceeding...but I didn't. Well, blow me down! Avast! T' win' fits in t' end o' t' tube and needs t' be trimmed slightly. Begad! T' fit should remain snug and internal fillets are again applied. Avast, me proud beauty! I checked several times as t' glue set t' ensure t' win' be aligned properly and was straight.

Finishing:
Art says t' apply two light coats o' enamel t' protect t' kit from moisture. Begad! I used Helmsman Spar Urethane as a clearcoat.

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. Well, blow me down! Ahoy! T' motor is oriented with its nozzle down. Avast, me proud beauty! If you put it in backwards, you will win closest t' t' pad (don't ask). Begad! You need a sturdy pad with a short ¼" rod (1" or so). Art provides plans for a suitable monocopter pad in t' instructions.

A C6-3 gave this little monocopter a nice ride.

Recovery:
After burn out t' model smartly slows and tumbles t' t' ground.

Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5

Summary:
Art's hit another home run with t' Helix monocopters. They are simple, elegant, ya bilge rat, me hearties, matey, and fly great. It's t' easiest way I know t' get into monocoptering.

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

Other Reviews
  • Art Applewhite Rockets Helix (18mm) By Matt Gillard (March 8, 2009)

    Brief: The 18mm Helix is a monocopter from Art Applewhite's new range. I got the kit as part of a set of six rockets Art sent me for placing in EMRR's youth participation contest. I gave 4 of the rockets to members in my club, keeping this one for myself, as I'm really liked the Popsicle stick monocopter that Art gave the plans for on TRF. Construction: The kit comes in a ...

  • Art Applewhite Rockets Helix (18mm) By John Lee (July 25, 2008)

    Brief: The Helix is an innovative and simple monocopter design from Art Applewhite. It is extremely simple to build and goes together quickly. Its also a hoot to fly. This 18mm variant is the largest of the series which can be built "right out of the package". The 18mm Double Helix and above require a small amount of sawing. This one requires only a razor knife for ...

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