Radio Control: Helicopters
By Larry Jolly
15781 Empire Ln. Westminster, CA 92683
Welcome back. I hope your December wasn't as busy as mine. I've been hoppin' so much I haven't had time to look at one of my machines. But now that Christmas vacation is here, it's helicopter time!
I'm now working on a Kalt Cyclone II. So far I'm really impressed. This new Cyclone not only is more attractive with its new canopy, but it has the same rotor head as the Excalibur and tons of collective throw. Now that I've got some time, I'll finish this new bird up and let you know what I think about it.
Full-size helicopter news
Every once in a while there's a newsworthy full-size helicopter event that I think I should report on. On December 16, 1989 an exclusive full-size helicopter club known as the Rotor Heads flew its restored Bell 47B for a sustained 50 hours, topping all known helicopter endurance flights.
Every hour the helicopter was hovered into position next to its fuel truck and refueled in flight. Since the record flight was held at Angel Stadium, just a few miles from my home, I was able to watch some of the flight, including the refueling and, every four hours, a pilot exchange. Again, the helicopter was hovered to within a few inches of the ground while the relief pilot climbed into the cabin and took control as the fatigued pilot exited for a well-deserved rest.
I was impressed with both the restoration and the smoothness of this pretty little machine. I took a couple photos just after the flight. It was dark, and I'll have to see if Model Aviation can print any of them.
Besides going for the world record, the Rotor Heads were raising funds for a local low-income health clinic. I think they raised close to $250,000—not bad for a little over two days' work. Does anybody out there want to try it with a model? It could be done quite easily with a dangling fuel line and an onboard generator. Any takers? If you've done anything like this, let me know. I'm sure your fellow chopper pilots would like to hear about it.
Sepulveda Basin — Zane Street and the X-Cell 30
The Sepulveda Basin flying site in Van Nuys, CA, was where I met Zane Street on a recent visit. Zane is one of the local heli fliers, and he was enjoying the day flying his Miniature Aircraft Supply X-Cell 30- and 60-size machines. I hadn't seen the 30 fly before and enjoyed watching Zane's flight. When he stopped for a break, I introduced myself and we talked about his machines.
Zane's X-Cell 30 weighs a little over six pounds and is powered by an OS .32. He uses an Airtronics Spectra seven-channel radio with an Airtronics SG-X gyro. The 30 was stock except for the swashplate—he decided against the kit's composite part and replaced it with a GMP unit. Later, Zane was nice enough to let me have a go with his machine.
The X-Cell 30 hovered nicely, exhibiting good stability and moderate main rotor rpm. I flew the machine on a few circuits and found excellent response from all controls with a really nice general feel. After coming back into the hover, the engine heated up, and I decided to land.
Zane told me that his X-Cell has been trouble-free, but he feels the OS .32 is being pushed in this application. I suggested trying another fuel to see if that fixed his cooling problems. (Now that I think about it, he might also try the new SuperTigre .34.) I understand that MAS also sells a replacement engine mount which enables you to put a .40 into this helicopter. I can only speculate, but feel safe in assuring you that with a .40 the X-Cell 30 would have unbelievable performance.
Chicago Hobby Show
The Chicago Hobby Show was on my agenda last month—albeit only for three hours, as I was on a layover from another flight. But I was able to see enough to give a mini report.
- Airtronics
I had just shared a flight with Tim Renaud, and he gave me a preview of what to expect. Besides their helicopter products already on the market, Airtronics intends to market a new nine-channel, fully synthesized helicopter radio. Add it to the PCM 10 / Futaba 1024 market, and this radio seems to have all the best features. I'll let you know more as I find out information.
- Hobby Dynamics
They had the new Kalt 30-size Enforcer on display. This new Kalt machine was designed by Taya and is decidedly Concept-like with some clever new features. Slated to be marketed with a Webra power plant, the Enforcer should have a good following. Hobby Dynamics also had the Cyclone II, the Excalibur, and the Jet Stream machines on display. The firm distributes JR radios and Webra engines in the U.S. I talked to Kevin Bruner, who advised me that all Kalt parts are in stock and that dealers can get Kalt machines and parts from Hobby Dynamics.
- Miniature Aircraft Supply (MAS)
MAS had a nicely put-together booth highlighting its new X-Cell 30- and 40-size machines. The company also has an Agusta 109 fuselage available for its new machines. Also new at MAS: they can electroplate the metal parts of your new X-Cell any color. They had a white-and-fluorescent-orange machine on display—very nice and a definite choice for those wanting that extra touch.
- Great Planes
Great Planes is still selling Concepts like crazy and has lots of accessories for the Concept .30. They now have three fuselages: Hughes 500, Hughes 300, and Bell Jet Ranger. I really fancy the Jet Ranger and will have to go about getting one of these for my Concept. Great Planes also had the various OS heli engines and the new SuperTigre .34 ABC. This new Tigre ought to be a powerhouse—time will tell.
- Gorham Model Products (GMP)
GMP had its new Rebel on display. John Gorham shared that the Rebel is entertaining a large following. As most of you have heard by now, there is some kind of split between Hirobo and GMP. John declined comment on that, and instead told me one of GMP's efforts to Americanize its line: some parts are now made in the U.S. instead of overseas. John also told me he is working on a new 50-size machine. Details will follow.
- Robbe
Robbe had the latest version of the Champion and the new Magic Ranger on display. The booth was well manned by such notables as Mike Mas and Jerry Hicks. I saw the new Schuler glass rotor blades—they look very good. I'm going to have to try a set. Mike told me that with these blades autorotations are outrageous.
I'm going to apologize in advance to anyone I failed to mention. It was a quick visit, and I took the fastest tour around a show I've ever done. Many thanks to Jerry Hicks for taking me back to O'Hare for my connecting flight.
Best wishes
Even though you'll read this in late January, it's not yet Christmas as I write. Best wishes belatedly to all of you. I hope you achieved all you endeavored in 1989. Merry Christmas and Happy 1990!
On a personal note: best wishes are in order for the Florida Flash and his new, recently transplanted team member. Good luck—I hope the transplant takes and you grow to enjoy the fruits of your decisions.
BCNU
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
