Re:Affordable helicopter?
Why are helos so expensive? Cause they have so many parts.
Flight controls, transmitions, extra parts, all add up to make them one expensive way to get around, but a very fun way.
I would have to differ with quadrirotor on the statement the you could build one for the same price as a gyro, as the differences are quite marked.
One thing that seems to make the price higher is the cost of certified machines. Anything certified will start at $350,00AUD, and go up from there. Im not sure of the kit prices, but the only one available in Aus seems to be the exec.
THere is a cheap one $30,000US found here
http://www.innovatortech.ca/index.htm.
One thing that troubles me personally is the flying qualities of the kit helos available. The only two I would even consider palcing my but in would be the Helicycle, and the Rotor mouse.
Everything else I have seen have serious design issues, from power limitations, bad drive train design, or improper balacing. Any helo that requires a balast weight to bring the helo within CG limits, in my opinion was not properly designed.
This is one of the reasons I have set out to design my own. I have purposely made it different in a number of areas, which should make it safer than many certified helos.
Will my design end up cheaper than whats around now, only time will tell. One thing that will be in my foavour is the Aussie dollar being weaker than most of the currencies, may help to keep the cost down.
ANyway thats the end of my rant.
I must say its great to find a forum where homebuilt helos are discussed. So far its the only one Ive been able to find.