Lolly
Heliman
Location: San Diego
| Anyone can voice his/her opinion about the hobby on this board. That’s why it’s a forum. Hopefully we can all learn something from the posts and at times, no disrespect, it’s pure entertainment while reading the venting and valid frustrations of some readers. So here is my 2c.
Hindsight is a frustrating tool to use in analyzing history and we all do it subconsciously most of the time. Those who laid down deposits for the Aurora and pre-purchased electronics for the chopper at the time did the right thing in their minds. As time went by, promise after promise and delay after delay, how were those supposed to know that after a reasonable time or after warranties are run out, the Aurora would still not be released. Yes, those people have a very valid reason for feeling burned. Hopefully they were still flying some other heli and still enjoying the hobby. But feeling frustrated, pissed and burned…you bet! I was not one of them for other reasons. That being said, there comes a time when one should move on. Here is a little help..
Many pilots of all skill levels are not physicists or engineers and it is understandably more difficult to distinguish hype from facts. I am not here to toot my horn, but I am a physicist, scientist, mechanical and aeronautical engineer. So I understand much of the subtle facts about these machines. Helicopters are very complicated in their design, materials selection, dynamics analysis, stress capabilities and endurance etc. They are all built nowadays using CAD and FEA and are pretty much at the point of diminishing returns. That means, short of a revolutionary design, the higher end 3D machines are not going to get much more capable for under $1,000 if at all. You may be able to shave a little mass here and there to reduce inertia, move parts around a bit to reduce moments of inertia, and do a few other things. The overall effect may increase the roll, yaw or pitch rate by a few %. Repositioning pushrods etc to reduce stability, increase sensitivity thus allowing increased accelerations and performance….All in the realm of most top end machines already in pending or current production. Who will this affect - Only those that have outgrown the capabilities of their current models, might they see a slight improvement in performance. Maybe.
To significantly increase the performance beyond these diminishing returns other than revolutionary concepts if possible, there will be a price to pay and it takes more than one guy in his spare time. You need lots of money and time, superior materials like titanium, or super strength plastics, etc to significantly lighten up the machine. Need more power. Have not seen that yet. Ultimately, to throw these machines around it’s all about acceleration and inertia and this all increases stresses that parts are subjected to. The current designs are pretty good, but to significantly bump up performance capability, you need stronger and lighter materials to maintain or reduce weight. This becomes very expensive if at all possible. In terms of cost, to significantly improve the heli performance e.g maneuvering rates i.e. more 3D blurr, will never be under $1k if made in China. Made in USA x price by 3 at least. My Futura SE is a 15 year-old design. I have over 3,000 hard flights on it. The original ball links are still tight and I have only had to rebuild some bearings. No evidence of fatigue or creep or anything needing replacement. It was not designed as a 3D machine and cannot compete with current top end helis for 3D. But it was ahead of its time even 5 years ago and my experience is a testament to the quality, ruggedness and durability of all parts. As an FAI, or F3C or any pure aerobatic with slower 3D…it’s a great machine. It’s not perfect, but will fly forever with minimal parts cost. That’s where I see value. My EVO 90 will do hard 3D which I love, but after 40 flights, parts are already needing replacement to avoid a catastrophe. Better quality 90s like Vibe, Synergy, etc…parts should last much longer.
I could go on all day, but what am I saying:
All machines, entry or top, use CAD, FEA and all kinds of computer assisted design and manufacturing procedures. The better quality ones have ongoing design, improvements and support. They may not advertise showing pretty pictures but they could not compete otherwise. For around $1k, made “overseas”, you are not going to get much better than the basic kits of current top end stuff of the 90 size class. Current designs are at the point of diminishing returns and little tweaks of improvement here and there are not going to improve performance that makes it jump out in your face even in the hands of the best pilots. Helicopter design, manufacture and support with continued design spirals is a huge complicated multi person effort, requiring lots of able people and $$. When considering the purchase of a heli, it's a considerable investment most often grows beyond initial expectations. These investments should consider the entire business environment of the brand. In the meantime, fly what you have. If you outgrow, there is most likely a current heli that will challenge you. Pace yourself, master the basics and challenge your skills at cost effective rate that you can afford. That way you stay smiling through the "bumps". Perhaps a handful of pilots have outgrown the capability of top helis out there in any size class, but they are going to have to wait for the revolution. Furthermore, easier-to-fly helis will not make you a better pilot. - (Turn down the gain on the gyro and fly around in a controllable and stable condition). Finally but not least of all, don’t wait for next best claimed thing…..it’s all about human nature and making money.
Lots of facts and my opinion.
Happy flying |
So I waited, bought everything I need for it, slowly. Then time started passing by, and the electronics were getting old.
