Diamondd1968
Senior Heliman
Location: Oldham, Lancashire, England
| I have just been advised of this thread and thought it might be useful to chip in.
The Heli in the photo is the Diamond 90 nitro 4eCCPM as featured in the current issue of Model Helicopter World. We launched this model at Charmouth back in October to what could be described as a mixed response. Everyone who looked at it liked the engineering and quality but questioned the control system. At this time the 3 prototype helis have clocked up many tens of hours flight time and have now developed into well rounded performers. All up weight in pre-production trim is 5kg (11lb)dry and performance is lively with both YS91 and OS91SZPH engines. We would estimate shaving off around 200g (7oz) for the production version. The model is all alloy and carbon, but utilise some 'borrowed' parts from other helis. The main items being a Century Predator main gear and fan shroud. This heli could be placed in production within a month if there is suffucient interest, but we feel a 3eCCPM version (which can be seen on our web site) would have a much broader appeal.
The 3eCCPM model is being prototyped as I write and we expect it to fly in late January. We have incorporated most requests and feel the finished product would be a great performer with good looks and easy maintenance. To summerise the features:
All alloy and carbon construction (the carbon is a unique laminate offering great strength with unrivalled vibration absorbtion).
High cyclic, short stroke control system offering ±15° collective and ±9° cyclic without binding.
Own design 700ml (23floz) fuel tank with easy fit piping system.
Own design skid system.
High efficiency cooling system with low absorbed power.
High torque tail drive system using 10mm torque tube drive.
Snap off canopy and RC mounts to protect equipment in the event of a crash.
Selectable gyro mounting positions.
Very low parts count.
All up weight less than 4kg (8.8 lb) dry.
High C of G.
Hybrid bearings for long trouble free life.
High bearing count for smooth running (5 on main shaft, 3 radial 2 thrust) for example.
Subject to successful tests we hope this model will be available around June 2007. A gas version using Zenoah G260PUH and an electric version using Plettenberg HP370/40/A2 motor will follow on quickly afterward. Designs are also complete for a Turbine version, but availability will depend on interest.
We as a company are very pro-active and would like to respond to any sensible requests put upon us, and to this end would welcome and comments on our current designs.
Dave Dunphy
Diamond Helicopter Developments. |
