picker
New Heliman
Location: Cleveland, OH
| I'm confused why people are so critical on the cloan issue. If one looked at Robert Gorman's cobra or my GMP Legend (flybarless!) it had several Hirobo parts.[1] Whats important is those that make the kits earn enough money to stay in business. One way to protect the intellectual property of the "inventor" is their ability to sell parts to the cloan manufactures and be first to market. That said, there are several intriguing things about the MA 450:
1) full hardened 4mm feathering shaft, with 4mm thrust baring
2) hardened 5mm main shaft
3) one piece motor mount and lower baring block
4) adjustable battery tray tilt.
5) nut plate landing skid attachments
6) 2oz lighter than the Trex
also lets consider crashablity:
1) Stronger main and feathering shaft
2) broken blade grips are replaced without removing feathering shaft
3) good design for nose in impact
4) one piece landing skits collapse completely without breakage
While it uses the beam's clever servo placement, Tim's mounting block and side frames are totally different:
http://rob.com/lancair/2007.08/ircha-helis-4666.jpg
http://rob.com/lancair/2007.10/ORD-Model_Show-5122.jpg
Its quite clear that Tim has designed a few helis, and as we all know parts (and $$) are what makes helis fly. This market will compete on the supply chain just as much as the design. Its an exciting time for 450 helis!! (don't sell the Blade 400 short)
Rob
[1] WOW, have things changed!!! not only has the level of precision in the kits improved, but the level of proficiency of the pilots is humbling! I know its old news to those that have been building kits this year, but let me tell you, Bobby, Nick and Tim are expanding the hobby much more than anyone could have predicted. |
