Arrow-Copter gets its rotor tested

[ckurz7000]

The Arrow-Copter certification process is moving along at a good pace. Just over a week ago, the last component to undergo stress testing was the rotor assembly. The Arrow-Copter is using an 8,6m (28 ft) rotor. Officials from Austrian's version to the FAA required an overspeed test to 500 rpm.

So what does one do if a situation like this arises? Well, Dietmar got hold of a used 7-series BMW with a 12 cylinder 300 hp engine. He cut a hole in the roof, welded in a mast and mounted the rotorhead with rotor on top of it. To keep it from taking off, sand bags were used as ballast to bring the total weight of the car up to 2.5 tons.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5393916908_8db8efe9c6_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31541201@N08/5393916908/)

The head is linked via control cables to a cyclic stick on the passenger side of the car. An MGL ENIGMA in the car displays GPS speed and rotor rpm.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5393319475_53e226c141_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31541201@N08/5393319475/)

One rainy day, a driver and Dietmar took off on a test course to test the rotor assembly to the required 500 rpm. It took all of the 300 hp to accelerate to 100 km/h, at wich point the rotor just reached 502 rpm.

In case you're interested, here is a Youtube link to a video showing a bit more of the process than those two photos:

YouTube - Arrow-Copter certification test of rotor and rotor head (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVjc8rUD02U)

Enjoy, -- Chris.

[PW_Plack]

No wonder the European machines cost more!

Here in the US, this test would have involved slipping a $100 to a semi driver at a truck stop, and meeting him at the next exit with another $100. ;)

[utahgyrocop]

Very cool!
Stay safe.

[scottessex]

I want a Beemer like that one! :D

[Friendly]

How does the stratomaster get its input from the rotors for the rotor tach. That was a very good rotor tach

[WillyRose]

It's usually a proximity sensor picking-up on the bolts on the pre-rotator ring, isn't it?

[ckurz7000]

How does the stratomaster get its input from the rotors for the rotor tach. That was a very good rotor tach

This one is a magnetic hall sensor, I believe. But an optical sensor looking through the holes in the prerot gear works just as well.

-- Chris.

[Gyro_Kai]

Very cool. Is this already the new rotor or still an MTOsport one?

Kai.

[andycx]

I've tried emailing these guys several times for more information, without success. Are they still in business and is there another way of contacting them other than their contact form on their web sit? Off to Friedrichaffen, perhaps they will be there!
Thanks for any info. Andy.