Lama SA 315B

SA-315B Lama - detail

Converted an Align Trex 550L Dominator in an Aérospatiale Lama SA 315B using Hirobo parts. The original Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama is a French single-engined helicopter developed to meet hot and high operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The Lama possesses exceptional high altitude performance. On 21 June 1972, the type established a helicopter absolute altitude record of 12,442 m (40,814 ft), a record that remained unbroken as of January 2017.

Modifications

Changed the Align DFC rotor head with a 3 blade HPS3 for SAB 570. Shortened the Align main shaft to fit the SAB HPS3 rotor head. Modified the Align 550Lframe and tail to fit the Hirobo scale parts. Changed the location of the tail rotor servo inside the frame to fit the Lama fuselage. Added a separate battery for lighting. Used the Align tailpiece and torque tube bearing and mounted them on the open tail elements from Hirobo.  Added a sound module with Velleman electronic components.

Aircraft Characteristics after Modifications

Scale: 1/8.5
Rotor diameter: 1,2 m
Length: 1,2 m
Flight Weight: 4,9 kg
Power: 6S 5000 mAh
Motor: 1x 1410 KV850 Outrunner
3-blades Carbon 550 mm
Sound Pressure: < 85 dB(A)/7m Videos

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Hughes 500MD

Hughes 500MD - detail

Converted an Align Trex 450 Plus to a scale Hughes 500 MD. The successful Hughes 500/MD 500 series began life in response to a U.S. Army requirement for a light observation helicopter. The improved Hughes 500D became the primary model in 1976, with a more powerful engine and a T-tail. McDonnell Douglas acquired Hughes Helicopters in January 1984.

Modifications

Converted the Align plus to 6S. Changed the motor and the ESC. Changed to 4 blades rotor head with four-blade rotor head from Xcopter and 325 mm blades from Heliartist with an Align Gpro controller. Castle Creations Edge 50A, 1800 KV motor with battery packs 6S 1400 mAh. Modified the frame easily removable for maintenance purposes. Installed a Lighting system with a separate battery (2S).

Aircraft Characteristics after Modifications

Scale: 1/10
Rotor diameter: 0,7 m
Length: 0,7 m
Flight Weight: 1,6 kg
Power: 6S 1400 mAh
Motor: 1x   460MX KV1800 Outrunner
4-blades Carbon 320 mm
Sound Pressure: < 85 dB(A)/7m Videos

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Hughes 300C Schweizer

Hughes 300C - detail

Concept

Modified an old Eolo Spirit M8 to a Hughes 300 Schweizer. The original Sikorsky S-300 (formerly Hughes 300 and Schweizer 300) family of light utility helicopters was originally produced by Hughes Helicopters. Later manufactured by Schweizer Aircraft, the basic design has been in production for almost 50 years. The single main rotor and piston-powered S-300 is mostly used as a cost-effective platform for training and agriculture.

Modifications

Modified main shaft with a flybarless Align DFC head, Align 3200KV motor, 325mm Eflite carbon blades Align Gpro, Castle Creations 50A Edge on 3S 2200 mAh battery packs.

Aircraft Characteristics after Modifications

Scale: 1/11
Rotor diameter: 0,6 m
Length: 0,6 m
Flight Weight: 1,6 kg
Power: 3S 2200 mAh
Motor: 1x   450MX KV3400 Outrunner
2-blades Carbon 320 mm
Sound Pressure: < 85 dB(A)/7m Videos

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SAB Goblin 570

SAB Goblin 570 - detail

A SAB Heli Division Goblin 570 Red Carbon edition. The Goblin 570 is a high-performance radio-controlled helicopter. The design is original, moving away from traditional schemes, searching rationality for simplicity. The goal of the SAB Heli Division company was to create a simple, high-performance 3D helicopter, with a minimum of mechanical components. Rotor diameter 1278mm. Weight 2400g (excluding batteries).

Modifications

Used Align Gpro controller, Zeal Blades, and Castle Creations Edge 100A ESC. Added Optipower Ultraguard battery with fail-safe switch PCB.

Aircraft Characteristics after Modifications

Rotor diameter: 1,2 m
Length: 0,7 m
Flight Weight: 3,2 kg
Power: 6S 5000 mAh
Motor: 1x   4025 KV1120 Outrunner
2-blades Carbon 570 mm
Sound Pressure: < 85 dB(A)/7m Videos

Media

SAB Goblin 570 - detail

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Small 3D helicopters

3D helis - detail

Started flying 3D with Blade Nano, Blade MCPX bl, and Trex 150. Stepped up to Align Trex 450 plus DFC, an Align Trex 450 Dominator, and an Align Trex 550L Dominator.

Learning to fly

I have followed the method described on the Helifreak Forum by Archmachau:

From tail-in to all 8s and funnels in 6 months

Modifications

Modified Trex150 and MCPX bl with longer tails, other canopies, better landing gears, other blades. Modified Trex 450 and 550 with Align speed canopies, Align Gpro controllers, and Castle Creations Edge ESC with data logging. To find the small helicopters during practice in long grass I added a small homemade timer PCB (6 grams)  with a buzzer. This lost and find aid gives an alarm 6 minutes after powering the helicopter.

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