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UniCopter-Lite |
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UniCopter-Lite |
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Symmetrical Ultralight Intermeshing Electric Helicopter
Primary Objectives:
To design and build a single seat very light intermeshing helicopter that negates the need for a full helicopter pilot's license, from both a practical and a regulatory point of view, because:
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Personal Arial Rotorcraft (PAR) wish list; |
Sketch:
No ~ not yet
For a larger version, click on the drawing; then click on the magnifying mouse pointer.
Pictures:
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Fuselage - Modified SynchroLite |
Rotor - Electrotor-Simplex |
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An Alternative Idea for Motor and Power Train ~ Ball-Worm & Gear Reducer It is a lighter version of this - Electric UniCopter Single-seat. It includes a pusher propeller. |
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Overview of Objectives:
Symmetrical handling characteristics
:The symmetry of the two counter-rotating rotor disks eliminates the need for a tail rotor. This reduces the demands on the pilot in coordinating the cyclic, collective and pedal. The yaw function should be similar to that of a plane. In 1948 the symmetrical Kaman K-125 was flown by a housewife with only 2 hours of ground instruction and 36 minutes of dual instruction.
Moment Coupling between the Rotors and the Fuselage:
Motor Reliability:
Electric motors have a high level of reliability. The initial 3 motors for the prototyping will not have the necessary level of reliability.
Redundancy and Gradual Deterioration:
Where possible, components should be designed for gradual and observable deterioration thereby minimizing catastrophic failure.
Low disk loading & relatively large tip weights:
To allow for a slower entry into autorotation, a slower descent rate in autorotation and more stored energy for use in the flare. Also, there is the high likelihood of being able to do autorotative landings without any forward airspeed.
Movable rear surfaces: Maybe or partially
A ruddervator or stabilator assists with yaw and autorotation; thereby off-loading some of the control demands placed upon the rotor-disks. Either ruddervator or stabilator rotate downward to maintain a downward airflow on the tail surfaces, and yaw control, during autorotation.
Pitch and/or roll assistance might be considered for incorporation later.Miscellaneous:
The intent is to add low charge warning, plus other electronic flight and power train sensors.
United States ~ Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft: Not yet accepting helicopters.
Pilot:
The piloting of the SynchroLite should be easier than gyrocopters and airplanes, which are compliant.Aircraft: The SynchroLite should not be much more complex than gyrocopters and airplanes, which are compliant.
European - JAR - VLR (Very Light Rotorcraft)
Britain - BCAR-S (Britain's Civil Airworthiness Requirements Section S-Small Light Airplanes)
Portability:
Related to two blades per rotor only:
The helicopter is small and transportable within a van or trailer. The blades can be pivoted so that they are all parallel and pointing forward or aft during storage or ground transportation. The two rear legs and the tailboom detach. The rigidity of the rotor necessitates that the helicopter be stronger then helicopters with teetering rotors, therefore it will be more adaptable to ground transportation.
Maintenance:
xxx
Commercial Viability:
A prototype of the UniCopter-Lite may be built.
Other things that might reduce the costs of the craft and make it more viable are:
Progressive Stages of Improvements:
Other things that might reduce the costs of the craft and make it more viable are:
Primary Grouping:
DESIGN, MAKE & BUY
: ~ Much of the following has to be converted over from SynchroLite|
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OTHER:
Introduction Page | SynchroLite Home Page | Electrotor Home Page | UniCopter Home Page | Nemesis Home Page | AeroVantage Home Page
Initially displayed: July 30, 2009 ~ Last Revised: September 14, 2011
