YouTube has collected quite a few crazy RC helicopter videos over the years, and some of them border on unbelievable. Here’s a few of my favourites:

RC Helicopters Fishing

I wouldn’t recommend trying this – you could easily lose your RC helicopter in the drink. Nevertheless, this is an amazing video. It looks like the pilot’s added floats to his heli, just in case he catches a really big fish!

Ultimate 3D Flying – Insane Tricks With RC Helicopters

Here’s a really cool one, that shows what’s possible with a 3D RC helicopter and really great flying skills.

RC Helicopter Crashes Volume 2 – Who Doesn’t Love A Little Destruction?

Every once in a while, it’s cool to see some spectacular crashes. This type of thing happens to everyone – here’s a compilation of some of the worst crashes ever seen! When RC helicopters crash, destruction is usually very quick.

We’ve shown you how RC helicopter jet engines work, but how do you use them to power RC helicopters? After all, jet turbines spin at extremely high speeds. Converting this rotation to a rotation of the main rotor blades isn’t very simple, and we need some cool technology to do the job. There are basically only two ways that an RC helicopter can use the high speed motion of a jet engine to power the rotors – here’s how they work:

RC Helicopter Direct Drive Turbines

RC Helicopter jet engines spin their axels at far to great a speed to directly hook up to the rotors, so the most obvious way to slow them down is a gear box. In the direct drive design, the turbine shaft is directly connected to a gear box, which slows down it’s rotation speed and powers the main rotors. This is the most obvious and simple design, but it has a few problems that have caused another, more sophisticated one to gain popularity. For example:

1. All the thrust produced by the jet engine is wasted. Because the only work done by the engine comes from it’s main turbine shaft, all the thrust from the engine is left unused. The thrust from the engine is usually channelled outside the RC helicopter.
2. The wasted thrust can lead to unwanted motion. RC jet engines produce a lot of thrust, and forcing it outside the RC helicopter creates unwanted forces that have to be cancelled out.
3. Direct drive jet RC helicopters are very inefficient. Only 20% of the total power produced by the rotor blades actually goes into turning the rotor blades.

With all the problems present in direct drive turbines, most jet RC helicopter enthusiasts are turning to another design:  two stage turbines.

RC Helicopter Two Stage Turbines

Two stage turbines use the thrust produced by the engine, instead of simply venting it as exhaust. Recall that a jet engine has a main turbine shaft, which is used to compress air and keep the engine running. A two stage turbine leaves the first shaft free to spin, and then adds an additional turbine to the end of the engine, where the exhaust is emitted and thrust is produced. The second turbine spins another shaft, which then drives the gearbox that powers the main rotors. What’s the benefit of using two turbines instead of just one? There are actually quite a few:

1. A two stage jet engine is about 80% more efficient than the direct drive design.
2. Less thrust is wasted, so there are fewer unwanted forces caused by venting it.
3. The engine has to carry less load. Overall, it’s better if the jet engine doesn’t have to directly power anything. Harnessing the thrust produced by the engine reduces vibrations and wear.

The only problems with the two stage design are that two stage turbines tend to be heavier than their direct drive counterparts, and they’re also a little more expensive.

A lot of people would like a way to make the Blade MCX RC helicopter fly faster – here’s how to do it with minimal modification and only a few basic tools. Do this mod at your own risk.

1. Remove The Flybar – The first step is to remove the flybar. Snap off the linkage that connects the flybar to the upper rotors, and pull the flybar out of the plastic linkage that holds it.
2. Remove the Old Weights – Using a pair of wire cutters or needle-nose pliers, remove the cylindrical weights found on the ends of the flybar. Make the cut right near the end of the flybar.
3. Add Lighter Weights – Some small beads, like those found in craft stores can be used to make new weights for the flybar. find small beads that weigh about 0.2 grams. Thread two beads onto each end of the flybar, and secure them with CA glue and heat shrink tubing. This picture shows the new flybar weights.
4. Re-Install the Modified Flybar – Put the flybar back on the helicopter.

And that’s all that there is to it! The lighter weights on the flybar reduce the RC helicopters stability slightly, but also make it more responsive to control inputs. You can also try adding a bit of weight to the nose to make the helicopter go faster.

Credit for this idea goes to the author of this rcgroups thread.

Vertical 911, a publication dedicated to the usage of rc helicopters in the EMS, law enforcement, fire and search an rescue sectors, has recently featured and article about our Draganflyer X6. The article notes the UAV’s applications to policework and usage by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) .

Vertical Magazine is the helicopter industries “insider” publication, featuring commentary by some of the industries leading voices. Although they usually feature full scale, piloted helicopter applications, our 1 kg UAV’s features were unique enough to write an article about.

The OPP became the first police service to use RC helicopters for forensic purposes inside city limits. You can learn more about Draganflyer X6 RC helicopters at www.draganfly.com

On the outside, the Prox Dynamics PD-100 looks like a standard, 2 channel RC helicopter. Looking at it’s flight capabilities and design show that this is not the case. The Prox PD-100 is a stabilized, tiny, and silent RC helicopter which can carry a camera payload. Weighing only a few grams, the PD-100 has obvious applications in police and military work, and can apparently reach a top speed of over 20 miles per hour. The PD-100 also has some sort of autopilot that allows it to actively compensate for wind, and it’s creators report that it can handle outdoor wind speeds fine. This is a surprising feature, because most micro RC helicopters are for indoor use only.

One of the PD-100’s coolest features is a transmitter with an integrated LCD display. The display shows images gathered from the camera and flight data. The transmitter also logs flight data and can interface with a computer. We expect to hear more about the PD-100’s features by it’s release date in 2010.

The PD-100 isn’t being manufactured yet, but Prox Dynamics expects to start shipping to customers by 2011. No price has been released yet. You can watch the video below to get an idea of how it flies.

Turbine RC helicopters are RC helicopters powered by jet engines. Nothing quite compares to seeing one of these monsters power up at the flight field, hearing the jet engine come up to speed and start to spin the rotors. Although they’re not very common, mostly due to the enormous cost of running a model jet engne, RC turbine helicopters are some of the coolest machines around. In part 1 of this article, we’ll look at how model jet engines work in general, and then move on to their application to RC helicopters.

How RC Helicopter Jet Engines Work

So how to jet engines work? They’re not actually that complicated, its the precision machining and temperature tolerances that make them expensive. On the most basic level, RC helicopter jet engines work the same way that full size jet engines do. Air enters the jet through an intake, is compressed and mixed with fuel, and then ignited, producing thrust and spinning a turbine. The turbine is connected to the compressor via a shaft, starting the process over again. Air is compressed in the engine because it increases the thrust obtained by burning the fuel air mixture. The end result of this whole process is a lot of hot air travelling out the back of the jet engine at a great speed, which results in thrust.

How does this process get started? After all, if the fuel / air mixture is burnt in the engine, shouldn’t the resulting air flow be able to go out the front and the back? The answer is simple: the jet engine compressor has to be spinning at a speed high enough to create enough pressure at the front of the engine to force the airflow out the back. In order to do this, the engine has to be spun up before starting. This is done by either blowing hot air into the front of the engine with a leaf blower, or spinning it up with a high speed electric starter. In some cases, jet engines have these electric starters built in. There’s only one more problem: in order to combust, the fuel must be in a gaseous state. Kerosene, the most commonly used jet fuel, is liquid at room temperature. To solve this, propane is used as fuel when starting the engine. Propane is a gas at room temperature, so it can enter the engine and combust right away. Once the engine is hot enough, the propane is turned off and the kerosene introduced.

Once started, we need some way to control the jet engines thrust. This requires precision control of the amount of fuel entering the engine, handled by a device called the ECU – engine control unit. The ECU is just a small computer that controls and monitors various engine functions, including:

• the turbine speed, usually measured in RPM (rotations per minute)
• the throttle command from the transmitter
• the fuel pump’s battery voltage
• the exhaust gas temperature (EGT)
• the total engine run time

Jet ECUs usually have a number of advanced features and fail safes built in for safety.

In  the next article, we’ll look at how RC jet engines are used to power RC helicopters.

Another addition to the seemingly endless variety of 2 channel indoor RC helicopters. the Havoc Stinger flys and performs similarly to other RC helicopters. The only change that we can see is that the Havoc Stinger has an insect look, with glowing LED eyes.

• Comes in three different colors, green/purple, yellow/orange, and blue/orange
• Uses A 50mAh 3.7V Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery
• Battery Charge Time: 15-20 minutes
• Flight time: 5-9 minutes
• The battery charger is built into the transmitter.
• Compatible with standard mini helicopter parts

All the standard mini helicopter modifications can be done with the Havoc Stinger. Add weights to the nose or tail to make it go forwards or backwards more quickly. The Havoc Stinger is not a knock-off, and was made by the same company that makes the successful PicooZ RC helicopter.

The Blade MCX is the next step in the world of indoor RC helicopters, and has several amazing features that distinguish it from other micro RC helicopters.

Included with the Blade MCX

The Blade MCX includes everything you need to fly, right out of the box. Here’s what’s included:

• The Blade MCX RTF Micro RC Helicopter
• A 2.4 Ghz, DSM-2, Spread Spectrum Transmitter (Including 4 AA Batteries)
• A Portable Lipo Battery Charger (Including 4 AA Batteries)
• 1 cell, 3.7 volt, 110 mAh lipo battery (removable)
• A Small Screwdriver
• Some Extra Canopy Securing Rings

The Blade MCX is great for beginner pilots, because you don’t have to purchase any additional parts. The
Blade MCX is also well suited to pilots with previous RC helicopter experience, for flying indoors and during the winter months.

Main Helicopter Features

One of the coolest features of the Blade MCX is it’s proportional, four channel radio. Four channel control means that pilots can fly the helicopter with four dimensions of freedom. The Blade MCX can fly up/down, rotate left/right, pitch forwards/backwards, and bank left/right. Having a four channel radio system lets you precisely control the Blade MCX’s movement through all three dimensions. With a rotor diameter of 7.5 inches, and a length of 7.9 inches, it can easily fit into the palm of your hand. It is very uncommon to find RC helicopters of this size and price range with four channel control.

The Blade MCX features a coaxial rotor design. This coaxial design gives the helicopter great flight stability, and removes the need for a separate tail rotor to control yaw (rotation about the main rotor
axis). The main rotors spin in opposite directions, cancelling out any torque caused by their rotation. Coaxial RC helicopters are great for flying indoors, because they are very stable and so can be controlled with great precision.

The Blade MCX uses a tiny 1 cell lithium polymer battery for power. Unlike most micro RC helicopters, the battery is removable and interchangeable. Each cell provides 3.7 volts of power with a capacity
of 110 mAh (Milli ampere hours). You charge the battery using the included base station, which runs off four “AA” alkaline batteries. A typical charge takes about 30 minutes and provides an average flight time of 6 to 8 minutes. Because the battery is interchangeable, we recommend that you purchase an extra so that you can use one while the other is charging.

The Blade MCX uses a genuine Spektrum DS-2 type radio system. The helicopter radio is fully compatible with many other DS-2 transmitters, including the:

• Spektrum DX5e
• Spektrum DX6i
• Spektrum DX7
• JR X9303
• JR 12X

Modular radios which have Spectrum modules will also work with the Blade MCX. Please note that the Spektrum DX6 is not compatible.

Spread Spectrum radios greatly reduce the chance of any radio interference from other aircraft of sources. It also uses a short transmitter antenna, allowing the transmitter to fit in a small and sleek container.

The Blade MCX Transmitters are all mode 2, meaning that throttle and rudder are controlled with the left stick and pitch and roll with the right. The transmitter throttle stick is not spring loaded, so it remains at the position that it was last set to. Most RC helicopter pilots prefer this, as it allows you to remove pressure on the throttle stick while hovering. The radio has a dual rate feature, which allows you to choose how fast the helicopter responds to your commands. Beginners should start with mode 1, which can be set by pressing down on the right control stick and holding until the red light starts blinking. Setting the transmitter to mode 2 is done the same way.

Weighing only 1 ounce, the blade MCX is virtually crash proof. A sudden drop from a few feet above the ground won’t damage it, and in most cases minor collisions with walls are not a problem. Although it is not indestructible, the Blade MCX’s durability makes it an ideal present for anyone over 12 years of age.

If you want to get into the exciting world of RC helicopters, the Blade MXC makes a great starting place. It will show you all the basics of RC helicopter flight, and can be used as a starting place to more advanced models. If you’re already an experienced RC helicopter pilot, you’ll like the Blade MCX’s control and stability. Watch our site for tutorials on the Blade MCX, including a how to for installing replacement parts.

When you start building RC Helicopters, you’ll need an area to work, a selection of tools, and other supplies. Here are some of the most frequently needed tools and supplies, and some tips to help you with the RC Helicopter building process.

Setting up A Workbench for Building RC Helicopters

The very first, and most important thing you can do when you start building RC helicopters is to set up a proper work area. Having a good place to build your RC helicopters makes the process more enjoyable, and can improve the final result. Here’s a checklist that you can go through when setting up a new work area.

1. Get A Good Work Bench – A good work bench has a large, flat top which is free of cracks and holes where small parts and dust can collect. Pre made work benches are available at most hardware stores, but you can make one relatively inexpensivly by setting a large piece of particle board on a pair of saw-horses. The saw horses can be made from 2X4 beams of wood. You don’t have to screw the top onto the saw horses, it’s weight should hold it on sufficiently. This way you can dismantle the table for cleaning or storage when you’re not using it.
2. Add Proper Lighting – Add a good, bright light to your workbench. Working in the dark is hard on one’s eyes, and a good light will help you see small screws and parts.
3. Get Some Shelves for Storage – Keep your tools organized by putting them in plastic or wood shelves, available from almost any
   hardware store.
4. Add a Sturdy Chair – You’ll probably be sitting at your workbench for seceral hours at a time. Use a comfortable chair, which sits at about table height.

Building RC helicopters requires some special tools, and the instructions should list the ones that you need. Here’s a short list of the most common tools that should be kept handy when building RC helicopters.

• A set of Metric Allen Wrenches and Drivers – Most of the screws and bolts found on RC helicopters are metric, so having a good set of screwdrivers is a must.
• Ball Link Pliers – Ball links are used to join the servos to the control surfaces in RC helicotpers. Their installation and removal requires a set of ball link pliers, which you can get from any local hobby store. This is one of the most inexpensive, and useful tools you can get for building RC helicopters, a typical pair costs only around $10.
• Thread Lock Compound – It’s a good idea to secure bolts with a small touch of thread lock compound while building. This prevents any of them from vibrating loose when you’re flying your RC helicopters. Note that not all bolts require thread lock, especially those that go through plastic and other composite materials.
• Hobby Knives – You’ll need a good hobby knife to cut things with when building RC helicopters.

Now that you’ve got a good place to work and the tools you need, here are some tips to help you through the building process:

• Read the Manual – This one seems like a no-brainer, but the vast majority of problems that first time builder encounter are caused by not reading the manual carefully. Read the section you’re working on, then read it again. Only proceed with building a part when you’re sure you understand the instructions.
• Start the Canopy First – Some builders prefer to work on the RC helicopters canopy before anything else, because it’s one of the
  most labor instensive parts and can take a long time to build. Canopies usually require cutting, sanding, painting, applying decals, and finishing. When you’re applying decals, first spray the canopy with window cleaner. This will let you slide the decal into place, and the decal will only start to stick when pressed down. Once it’s in place, lightly squeeze the cleaner out from under the decal and wipe it away.
• Building the Main Frame – Follow the instructions carefully, and build the main frame. Movable parts should be lightly lubricated
  and moving freely.
• Rotor Head – Sometimes, rotor heads come pre assembled. Remove a bolt to see if the manufacturer used thread lock compound when they built the rotor head. If they didn’t, thread lock should be applied to every screw and bolt in the rotor head. Adjust the mesh (the interface between two gears) between the motor and main rotors to minimize friction.
• Stop the Muffler from Vibrating Off – Losing a muffler in flight is somthing you definately want to avoid. Besides checking that it’s tightly bolted to the engine before each flight, you can use small lock washers on the long bolts that attach the engine to the muffler. High temperature thread lock compound can also be used.
• Adjust the Belt Drive – Tail rotors are commonly powered by belt drives on RC helicopters. Adjust the tension in the belt drive so
  that it moves as freely as possible.
• Lubricate Ball Links – Ball links need to rotate freely, and can be lubricated with petroleum jelly.

Follow these tips and your RC helicopters instructions carefully, and you’ll end up with a result you can be proud of. Have fun building and flying your RC helicopters!

Now that you’ve got a good place to work and the tools you need, here are some tips to help you through the building process:

One of the leading magazines in the RC helicopter industry, Rotory Modeler, has done a 20 page, user review of the Draganflyer X6 UAV. The review discusses all aspects of this unmanned aerial vehicle, including applications, construction quality, flying properties, and the included flight accessories. The X6  got a rave review, with the authors citing it’s simplicity, functionality, and versatility.

The reviewers were impressed with our optional FLIR infrared video camera, being able to see in the dark and see  people and other objects from a great distance. Here’s what the reviewers had to say:

Thermal Infrared cameras used to be large, cooled units that required a large amount of electricity to operate.  Camera technology has advanced to the point where a FLIR camera can be economically installed on a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) such as the Draganflyer X6.

The reviewers also liked the build quality and design simplicity of the X6, commenting:

“When you remove the X-6 from the case you can immediately appreciate the simplicity of the design, making this a very robust and easy to maintain aircraft.”

The reviewers were very impressed with the bright OLED display screen built in to the transmitter. You can see the screen clearly, even in direct sunlight, ensuring that you don’t miss critical flight information due to glare.

All in all, the Draganflyer X6 got a fantastic review. You can read the review by picking up a copy of the May/June 2009 issue of Rotory Magazine, available from Rotary Magazine’s Web Site and most hobby stores.