Rodan Senior Heliman Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
| For the Rotodyne, I have been thinking about using electric motors in the wings to each drive a four blade tail rotor mechanism. If I can figure out the radio programming, the variable pitch should be able to provide torque compensation for flight with the main rotor engaged, and forward thrust for flight in gyroplane mode.
Two of the main concerns are the effectiveness of the "props" for torque control with the shorter moments, and the efficiency of a tail rotor blade as a propeller for forward flight...
As Coolrunnin noted, the Rotodyne can be built as a straight heli, or a straight gyroplane, and while challenging technically, it's attainable. The really challenging aspect is to duplicate the original's ability to take off vertically under power.
Thanks for getting me thinking on this again with your fantastic project! I even came up with a nutty idea for tip jet propulsion for the main rotor last night... I have to do some research, but I don't think it's going to be practical... |