MTOW for single rotor RC helicopter

[Tavo81]

Hi guys,

Does any one knows what's the maximum take-off weight of 500-600 class helicopters? I'm a PhD student and I need to install some equipments on the RC helicopter in order to obtain the data I require to finish my thesis, but I need to know what could be MTOW of the helicopter before I decide what model to buy. I've been searching in internet, and I think I'm more interested in helicopters like GAUI X5 FES, RAPTOR E550 or T-REX 600FL. Unfortunately, the MTOW is one information that is not presented in the characteristics list.

If anyone has any idea about the MTOW of these models, could you help me please? Also, if you have flown these helicopters, could you tell me your thoughts about the models?

Thanks for your comments and time.

Kins regards!

[hedge]

Cant answer for 550-600 but for a 700 can comfortably carry/fly 5kg, the max Ive seen lifted is around 13kg but that was just lifted not flying Weightlifting - TREX 700E - YouTube . hth

[pgkevet]

Is that Cranfield as in cranfield college and aeronautics?

Perhaps a clue as to the weight of package you need to lift and what perfrmance characteristics you need with the lofted package. Obviously flight duration wil affect payload as will performance.. you can stretch a smaller fuse to accommodate longer blades and fly it sedate and slow headspeed as well as reduce battery/fuel loads. As indeed will the weather.

[waveydavey]

I wouldn't take a 600 to anything more than around 7Kg, I loaded a 600 close to 9Kg and it's virtually unflyable.

[pgkevet]

I suppose the other pertinent question is who is flying it or can you fly an rc heli 'cos it ain't quite that easy...

[Boggy]

Its also worth noting that these models aren't actually designed to carry any load. The actual "Design" MTOW is that of the airframe and power system.

[jimmyhorns]

Your question is a little vague, and begs the question, what are you trying to monitor?..

It doesnt sound as if you have much experience in RC heli's, so it might not be the best plan to get something that is specifically designed to be an aerobatic model, if you need to be stable in the air.

You need to tell us a little more im afraid for us to be appropriate to reply. You may as well have written "whats the maximum payload of semtex that an rc heli can carry, and how far away from me can I fly it."

[Tavo81]

Thanks a lot for your reply, guys.

well, as I said I'm a PhD student from the flight dynamics department in Cranfield University in UK, my thesis is related to prediction of aerodynamic and control coefficients but in order to say that my mathematical model is accurate enough I have to install different sensors to measure the angular and rate dynamics in the heli, maybe the equipment I'll use will weight no more than 1.5 kg, I just need to be certain what helicopter model is more adequate for me. I have flown only 4 channel RC helicopters and of smaller size, of course I need to have a specific training before I could use the model to obtain the information I need.

[waveydavey]

You're not far from me if I can help by carrying your kit and flying so you can take your readings let me know

[woodsta888]

There are lots of telemetry readily available in todays RX/TX systems. Are you trying to fly something you have designed yourself for some specific measurement? Either way, todays built in systems will read what you need otherwise you'll need an F3C pilot to hold something steady enough if your resolution of data collection requires so.

I can understand that as a phd level student you may have built some measurement system yourself. Angular and rate dynamics will probably be the bread and butter of available information for most flybarless systems. Unless something specific, angular and rate info should be available by the bucket load from any flybarless unit company. Though their algorithms for stability and performance will be top secret.

[Tavo81]

Thanks waveydavey! I'll let you know about it, in this moment I'm selecting the correct platform, I think I'll start to perform the flight test within 6 months. In the meanwhile I'll need to train, maybe if you let me to join you to practice, or if you know about any club near MK or Bedford, it'd be great!

[Tavo81]

thanks for your reply woodsta888! well, I'm designing an algorithm using nonlinear dynamics, which I'm planing to implement into the RC model. My big problem is that I'm quite new with data acquisition and I have to perform a deep research about it too. In this moment, I have only thought about installing an IMU, AHRS and a SNAP unit in the model.

[pgkevet]

As Woodsta888 says current fbl units have 3 axis gyros, some have accelerometers too and some have self-righting capability programmed in .. so I'm guessing they are essentially measuring what you need. Presumably the issue is accessing and storing that data and relating it to another reference standard?

[jimmyhorns]

As others have said, equipment to measure what you are looking for already exists, and weigh just a few grams.

It may be worth you getting in touch with Angelos Gonias either on here or on facebook , who runs Spartan RC and has designed cracking gyros and FBL systems.


Just one thought though, you are aware that FBL systems are constantly 'messing' with the control surfaces to give the stability that you see in the air?...

As Waveydavey has offered, it might be worth getting an experienced pilot to do the flying for you - its a lot harder than it looks, especially to fly slow and steady.

[Si Goodchild]

My advice is to go big early - you'll probably regret the lack of growth potential later if you don't. Suggest you get a second hand 700-size that has been built by someone who knows what they're doing.

Si G