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

Videos

Photos

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.

Video

Photos