mnowell129

Good news, G3PO-A flies, will be posting video today.
I am going to build another one just like it and
draw all the parts, photograph, etc. today.
There are really only about 8-10 parts besides the head.
The chassis took me about an hour to build.

mnowell129

Flight update.
Current power package is an eflite 370 (5400) D gear box, three cells
and apc 10x4.7SF prop.

I flew tonight under the streetlight, not just straight hops but flew around under the streetlight!
Basically made a figure 8 pattern in the limit of my visiblity. I am certain that if I can put
LED's on the blades and tail that night flight is possible...
Hmm.. LEDs, handycam on the tripod.... might make an interesting video..


Takeoff procedure is pretty standard now, a little blast of power heading downwind to
get the rotor turning, Turn into the wind and make a smooth acceleration until the
rotor is spinning good, then smoothly feed in about 3/4 throttle and off it comes.
No trim changes from takeoff to fly now, so this configuration is very workable.

dougmontgomery

My Feedback: (1)

Hey Mickey, just reading all the info. Are you still putting twist in the blades? Would it be to hard to shape them like this and stay consistent from head to tip? ALso,Since I'm not a heli guy, I will probably need some directions on the rotor assy. Doug-Oh no I'm getting the fever[>:] Doug

mnowell129

No twist right now, I will try it again soon.
The twist was easy to do by steaming the blades
after being carved. This could be applied to the
aerobalsa blades as well....

mnowell129

Flight test update.
Same configuration, with slightly less blade pitch.
Takeoff in about 25 feet with 5 knot headwind.

Conditions were perfect so I tried a LOOP with great
success. Ended up doing 3 or 4 nice loops. A little
loss of rotor speed in the back side of the loop but
not too bad. Could stand a little more power for
aerobatics so I may look for another engine
package that supplies enough for aerobatics.
May have to buy one of those himaxx outrunners
for myself for christmas...
If I can get someone to video it I'll post a video
of the loop.
Work week started so things will slow down now.
mickey

mnowell129

Lunchtime flight test update.
Flew G3PO with original blades again.
Looped and ROLLED it today at lunch.
Had a heartstopping moment as the rotor speed
went almost to 0 at the top of the roll but it came on around
speed back up and flew away.....
The fun is now beginning...

dougmontgomery

My Feedback: (1)

Mickey, I just had some thoughts today. I once had an ultralight with torsion bars molded in the prop. This could also be implemented in your blades. By by a third adjustment screw on the rotor you could adjust this manually until a in flight squash plate would increase tension and flatten them out at higher speeds. D. Anxiously waiting on assy. answer.

mnowell129

I'm already planning a collective pitch version....
Thinking about your assembly problem.

Poll

Just wanted to say I love your work ;-)

mnowell129

Thanks for the encouragement.

mnowell129

Built and flew the third G3PO today, this one from the plans. Details on the thread "How to Build G3PO"..

mnowell129

I think I'm calling the G3PO design done, so this thread has kinda run its course.
I will continue to add updates and details under "How to build G3PO"....
Thanks for reading along.
I'll start a new thread when I do
1) A pusher (G4PO?)
or
2) One with collective pitch
or
3) A fourbladed version with collective
pitch
or
4) A fourbladed collective pitch pusher...
or
5) A two bladed flybarless version....
or
6) A two bladed, flybarless, collective pitch pusher...

I guess I won't be able stop myself until I've done #6....

hmmm... what to do next?...what does the silent audience want to see next ???

mickey