I wouldn't go so far as to label HPI "disreputable". They have a good reputation in regards to their other products. I'm betting that they got in over their head, so to speak. IOW, they jumped into this with both feet before testing the water.

HPI is mainly r/c cars and trucks. Helicopters are much more complex. Mr. Kouche had no reason to lie to us. I think that once they had this tiger by the tail, HPI management realized there was more to it than they originally thought, and decided not to pursue it.

HPI is currently having problems getting some high-use replacement parts into the US for several of their staple land vehicles. I've been waiting on a spur gear for my grandson's truck for over a month. While I've been waiting, several other "critical" parts have become unavailable.

There can be several reasons for this; HPI says it is because of an unanticipated increase in demand. Other rumors have it that their purchasing controller in Kalifornia left unexpectedly. Personally, I find it difficult to believe that one guy leaving can screw up the supply process for a multi-national comglomerate, but you never know.

And it might be a vendor problem. Look at the 401 gyro situation; Futaba's inability to get one critical component caused that popular product to in short supply for a time. How many times has MA had hundreds of kits waiting to be shipped, for lack of one or two parts?

Whatever. I think it is safe now to say that Kalt helicopters have become another footnote. Too bad; they had some good stuff.

Steve