Endurance Suggestions Please

[helinewbie]

Hi, I am new to RC helicopters, but trying to learn what I can to compete in a design competition. I am interested in designing and flying a helicopter for a long length of time >30 mins. I would also like a minimal amount of useful load for a camera + transmitter. As of now, I can just put ballast where the camera would go for proof of concept. Speed and maneuverability are not really issues.

What configuration do you think is best? Coaxial, conventional, tandem, etc
What is the most efficient electric motor? Cost is not a factor
What is the best battery mA-H/oz? Cost is not a factor
What would be an efficient rotor diameter?
Variable RPM or collective lift?

Thanks for your suggestions!

I reposted this from my other thread in the newbie section.

[Danzi]

Hello, well first of all do you know how to fly a helicopter, it would be a shame you had it all nicely built for your comp and you CANT FLY. anyway i suggest nitro (fuel) helis as you can have as much as ur helicopter will allow you.

But for electric i suggest Li-po (lithium polymer) they hold more, and are way lighter than other Ni-mAh batteries.

If you don't have to fly over long distances or something- i suggest tandem 'chinook' type helos, more stable and will be able to hold more fuel/electronics/cameras but will be harder to control

I don't suggest co-axle as they would use more juice but they will be more stable (alot more)

I don't know what else i could say??? Good luck, there'll be more people more experienced out there to help.

Regards Tim

[hawkman]

Its like reinventing the wheel surely?

To sit down and MAKE your own heli is not impossible...but whats the point?
If you can already fly one and are a serious heli nut then your chances are good...but to build one from scratch and then probably trash it in a crash?

Why not take a standard kit and then utilise this? where things might be unique would be for the camera gear and how its mounted etc.

Endurance? I would go for nitro or petrol...both types of heli could easily carry extra fuel.

Collective pitch for sure! easier to handle for one thing...and probably more efficient.

Rob