Arrow-Copter testflight, July 2011

[PTKay]

Chuck had his thoughts about back swept wings and tail.

But I have my own opinion.

Back swept tail has centre of aerodynamic forces further back, than
a straight one. For the same boom length the back swept tail
will have a longer aerodynamic forces arm, than a straight tail,
hence beter stabilizing effect by lower weight.

[JAL]

Nice balloon on landing Chris a popular variation of the roll on landing (and yes everyone is a critic!)

That is one good looking gyro hope all goes well and it proves to be even better than it looks!

Jordan

[ckurz7000]

Originally Posted by JAL

Nice balloon on landing Chris a popular variation of the roll on landing (and yes everyone is a critic!)

That is one good looking gyro hope all goes well and it proves to be even better than it looks!

Jordan

If I had been piloting this flight, I wouldn't have posted the landing part. This time around I was busy holding my little phone camera to the eye and keeping my hands from shaking with excitement.

But from my own flight experience in the Arrow-Copter I can tell you that so far as we have explored the flight envelope, it flies extremely well. You don't "notice" the gyro. It just does what you intend it to do. There's no reachtion whatsoever to abrupt thrust changes. It flies very stable yet follows you without hesitation into a roll or pitch change.

There are a few minor points so far that require tuning. We will fit the adjustable prop with counter weights to reduce the required hydraulic pressure in the system which is needed to counter act the aerodynamic twisting force on the prop. The rudder needs a trim tab. The oil cooler could be stepped up a size to ease worries even in South Africa or Australia.

Once we have worked out these minor kinks, we will start exploring the flight performance and gather data regarding Vx, Vy, Vne, service ceiling, cruise performance, etc.

We are busy in a good way and gaining ground. So far we haven't encountered a major set back. It's just that everything takes longer than planed if the authorities are involved. But that's a universal truism, I believe

-- Chris.

[stupidceleb]

Any updates on the Arrow Copter?

[ckurz7000]

We are currently flight testing the Arrow-Copter. This is a lot of flying, data gathering, data analysis, etc. In the course of flight testing we have, e.g., tested engine cooling during a hot and humid 36°C day. As a result we improved airflow to the oil cooler so that even under these conditions, at max gross, you can climb to the service ceiling with max continuous power and all gauges in the green.

Last weekend there was an air show at which we exhibited and flew the Arrow-Copter. You can find pictures of it in the gallery section of the website www.arrow-copter.com. There was huge interest and people repeatedly suggested that the Arrow-Copter should feature in the next James Bond movie.

Until flight testing is completed we agreed not to trumpet out too many news since performance numbers are still likely to change. Much better to reveal the final numbers when everything is done.

But so much can be said: I still get a kick out of it everytime I climb in and go for another flight

-- Chris.

[MikeBoyette]

Chris,
Very beautiful machine keep up the good work.

[stupidceleb]

Thanks for the update Chris, would be great if you could share a bit of info on the the prerotator system with the adjustable prop. Interested to know how big of a difference that makes. in both take off distance and cruise. Thanks again.

[stupidceleb]

I ran into a pic on another forum of wing tanks on the arrow copter. Made the arrow copter look like some kind of military aircraft, very cool. I bet the range of the arrow copter with those tanks would excellent and probably longer than anyone would want to sit in the cockpit. Should make a great little cross country aircraft rivaling fixed wing LSA speeds @ cruise.

[ckurz7000]

Yeah, a lot of people usually gather where the Arrow-Copter appears. Regarding the tanks: we have plans to add long range tanks as well as baggage compartments in rocket shaped pods underneath the wings. The idea is that you can also detach the baggage pod and use it as a suitecase/hard shell case.

The tank volume is a tad over 70 liters usable fuel. At a fast cruise burn of 20 liters per hour that's 3 hours with 30 minutes of reserve.

-- Chris.

[stupidceleb]

that sounds really Cool Chris! Is there any kind of storage inside the cabin for a small suitcase or anything like that? The baggage pod is a really great idea. I'm really impressed by all of the cool features you guys are adding. With that i'm sure is coming a higher price though, I better start saving a larger amount of money

[scottessex]

I better start saving a larger amount of money

I'm thinking about selling the house! but I already have an airstrip out front, Oh well guess that I should send Mama gyro out to earn all the extra money (for the arrowcopter) after she finishes school.

[stupidceleb]

Originally Posted by scottessex

I'm thinking about selling the house! but I already have an airstrip out front, Oh well guess that I should send Mama gyro out to earn all the extra money (for the arrowcopter) after she finishes school.

Maybe if we buy them at once we will get a discount Group buy!!!

[ckurz7000]

Don't forget, it is also available as a kit. Details on the website www.arrow-copter.com.

-- Chris.

[Resasi]

Just a thought Chris, but could you/the factory calculate the savings possible by buying the full kit of a specifically specced aircraft and the factory built model as a sales exercise

It could enable prospective customers to evaluate which choice might be best for them?

The manufacturer would certainly seem to be best placed to undertake such an exercise. The customers in various other countries then better able to assess build costs and possible local authority compliance.

[ckurz7000]

I am not sure what you mean, Leigh, but there is a price configurator for the kit version available here: http://www.arrow-copter.com/arrow-co...or-kitbau.html

-- Chris.