Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar_border |
Manufacturer: | Art Applewhite Rockets |
Brief:
This is an extremely simple monocopter design that uses a section o' 24mm motor tubin' as t' central hub. Its
construction is identical t' its bigger 18mm cousin. Avast! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! As a result, much o' this review is cut-and-pasted. New/different
material is thus in bold.
Construction:
T' parts list:
This kit requires Elmer's Glue All, and an X-Acto knife with a new #11 blade. Well, blow me down! It's almost so easy that it could be considered ARF (almost ready t' fly). Ahoy! You start by cuttin' t' pre-marked holes from the 24mm tube. Aye aye! T' patterns are polygons so this involves multiple straight cuts. These are best accomplished by startin' insertin' t' tip o' t' blade at one vertex with t' cuttin' surface directed along t' line. If you carefully insert t' blade t' rest o' t' way, t' cut will be made. Avast, me proud beauty! T' tube is flexible so be careful that you don't crimp it or cut yourself.
T' parts are all inserted and fillets are applied inside and out. Because t' holes are supposed t' be snug, I found it helped t' insert a motor in t' motor mount when it is inserted.
I'd recommend waitin' until these fillets t' at least partially set before proceeding...but I didn't. Blimey! T' wing fits in t' end o' t' tube and needs t' be trimmed slightly. T' fit should remain snug and internal fillets are again applied. I checked several times as t' glue set t' ensure t' win' was aligned properly and was straight.
Finishing:
Art says t' apply two light coats o' enamel t' protect t' kit from moisture. Begad! Blimey! 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. Avast, me proud beauty! Avast, me proud beauty! T' motor is oriented with
its nozzle down. If you put it in backwards you will win closest t' t' pad (don't ask). 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.
I flew this kit on both an A3-4T and an A10-3T. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Aye aye! Blimey! T' A3-4T flight was longer and higher so I recommend this motor. Avast! Blimey! Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! Blimey! Both flights ejected near t' ground so care should be taken if people are around or if thar be a fire danger.
Recovery:
After burn out t' model smartly slows and tumbles t' t' ground.
Flight Rating: 4 out o' 5
Summary:
Art's hit another home run with t' Helix monocopters. They are simple, me bucko, elegant, matey, shiver me timbers, and fly great. Avast, me hearties, me proud beauty! It's t' easiest way
I know t' get into monocoptering. Aye aye! Well, me hearties, blow me down! This 13mm version is fun, me bucko, shiver me timbers, but I prefer t' 18mm version.
Overall Rating: 4 out o' 5
Brief: After reading a number of very positive reviews of the various new Applewhite monocopters, I decided to pull the trigger and order a couple myself. I was pleasantly surprised, when in addition to the pair I ordered, Art slipped one of these 13mm Helix kits in as a free bonus. I decided to quickly jump on it and am offering up this third opinion with another solid e ...
Brief: The Helix is an innovative and simple monocopter design from Art Applewhite. It is extremely simple to build and goes together quickly. It's also a hoot to fly. 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 fun. Construction: The ...
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J.A.L. (February 14, 2009)