Strange project

[skizzm]

I have been flying a blade cp for a while now to learn to fly a rc helicopter for a project. The next part of this project requires a helicopter that can carry some weight (about 4 or 5 lbs). I am looking for a helicopter that is easy to fly and repair when crashed, I have no desire to do any acrobatics with this helicopter. I was looking at the gas powered 60 sized helicopters since they sound like they are a little heavier and more stable than the smaller ones. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Aztek1701]

Hello,

Welcome

If perhaps you can tell us that the intended purpose of the heli is we will be able to recommend something. As it stands... lifting 4 -5 lbs can be done by a .60 size nitro, however other better machines for the job would be the gassers which can fly for longer.

Take care... Azzy

[skizzm]

Thank you for your response. The purpose of this project is to put a sensor package on the helicopter that can detect metal objects in the ground. I need it to be able to fly for as long as possible in a regularly spaced grid (directed by a gps). The helicopter does not need to go more than about 10 ft above the ground, (minimum while doing the grid would be about 3 ft). Easy to fly would be nice, I only have a few months worth of flying experience. The more carrying capacity the better, because that means I can do a better job of padding the sensors from a crash (i know i will crash it i just need to make sure the sensor package survives). I am willing to spend a little extra to have something that is fully assembled with all the pieces when I buy it since this project is somewhat time sensitive. The sensors I am using are magnetic which means that the less iron and nickel in the helicopter the better, plastic and aluminum do not affect it, i can correct for the iron in the helicopter, but the measurements are more accurate with less.
Thank you for your time and any suggestions are appreciated.

[hawkman]

You might as well carry the sensor on the end of a wooden pole

Or is the ground very soft...or are you trying to detect mines or something?

[Aztek1701]

Hi Again,

Hmm, okay, that is an interesting payload. (flying minesweeper? ) If money isnt an problem, then Id suggest a Century predator carbon...

http://www.centuryheli.com/products/...m?currentid=95

or maybe even a predator condor..

http://www.centuryheli.com/products/...?currentid=335

This is NOT a cheap machine though. However, predators are frequently used to lift camera packages and the like so they at a guess they can lift a payload of about 10lbs (the condor has a RATED lift capacity of 15lbs) and an endurance of about 30 minutes.

The smaller of the 2 machines has carbon frames so wont affect your sensor package as much however you might have to consider the interferance from the spark ignition systems. Id also consider getting a helicommand 3A which can mantain a fixed hover position (altitude included.) for you.. http://at.robbe-online.net/rims_at.storefront/en.
Again, not cheap but might help to do what you need.

I would be VERY careful about that 3ft hover altitude because at 3ft the heli will be in ground effect and will be majorly affected by its own rotorwash. Im not saying that its impossible to do but it will be an unpredictable operation. You might also want to think about GPS autopilots (which I THINK exist but are quite rare)

Hope this helps... Good luck with your project

Azzy

[hawkman]

It will be a bit 'floaty' at 3 ft, thats about all. You might use slightly less power as well...thats about the only benefit of hovering around at low level.

The Predator I use can easily lift a couple of kgs, but to be honest the larger version like the condor would be the best, like Azzy said.

Model Helis certainly come into thier own for some projects...a gasser type heli is going to take a LOT of getting used to....they are quite docile to fly generally but the size and power will need ALL your attention and respect. The flight handling is ok, but with the weight comes a LOT of inertia so be careful in light winds or if its calm...stopping distances can stretch a long way.

Rob

[hawkman]

Oh, I forgot

use PCM for the radio gear, the ignition wont be such an issue then....or get a 2.4 ghz set...even better.

Rob

[skizzm]

Thank you for your help, the ultimate goal of this project is to detect unexploded ordinances which in many cases include mines which is why it is valuable to have something that will not require a person to be in the field. At some point I will have a blog up about this project and will post a URL. Is there a place that I can order a kit that contains all the parts to build one of these predator NX helicopters? If i build it myself how much do you think it will cost total? and finally, how much do you generally spend on repairs after a bad crash?