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|max takeoff weight alt= 386 kg
|max takeoff weight alt= 386 kg
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|engine (prop)= [[Solar T62-T32]]
|engine (prop)= [[Solar T62|Solar T62-T32]]
|type of prop= turboshaft
|type of prop= turboshaft
|number of props= 1
|number of props= 1

Revision as of 12:16, 26 January 2010

Helicycle
Helicycle N727X at Homer Bell's 22nd Annual Helicopter Fly-in, July 14, 2006
Role Homebuilt helicopter
Manufacturer Eagle R&D
Designer B.J. Schramm
First flight September, 1997
Number built 33+

The Helicycle is a single-seat, single, semi-rigid main rotor helicopter powered by a turboshaft engine. Manufactured by Eagle R&D in Nampa, Idaho as a kit, the aircraft is intended to be assembled by the owner and is considered a homebuilt aircraft. The Helicycle was conceived and designed by B.J. Schramm, the founder of Rotorway International.

Development

Schramm's concept for the Helicycle was to provide a kit for building a reliable, high-performance, real helicopter for a reasonable cost to individuals (on the order of a mid-priced SUV). Fabrication and assembly skills only require being able to accurately drill holes, bend sheet metal and tubing, install fasteners, run wiring, etc. (e.g., no welding or highly-specialized aviation-specific tools are required). Kits are delivered in six increments, including the frame and skids, engine, transmission, main rotor subassembly, tail rotor subassembly, controls and linkages, cockpit exterior/interior, and fuel and electrical subsystems. Assembly instructions are provided in the form of video clips on video CDs (Video CDs) or DVDs, blueprints, and checklists.

Operational history

As of March 2008, five runs of about 30 kits each have been delivered to builders, for a total of about 160 kits, of which 47 have been completed and are flying, with another kit being completed every other month, on average (delivery of a sixth run is scheduled to start in 2008, and orders for a seventh run may be taken, starting in the Summer of 2008, with deliveries to start in 2009). A unique feature of the kits is that a factory checkout must be completed by a factory-designated airframe and power plant technician and test pilot before the builder is allowed to fly the aircraft. The factory withholds a few critical components needed for flight, which the factory representative brings to the checkout.[citation needed] In order to ensure that prospective pilots have the necessary flight skills, builders must have at least a solo endorsement from a certified flight instructor (CFI) for flying a Robinson R22 commercially-built helicopter.[citation needed]

The total number of hours accumulated on all Helicycles flying is estimated to be well in excess of 1,000 flight hours, with one fatal accident, attributed to altitude estimation error by the pilot while flying over water into a low sun angle.[citation needed] There have been several accidents and incidents where Helicycles have lost power in/near hover, resulting in minor damage to the skids and some airframes, but no serious injuries. Most of these were attributed to a radio-frequency interference (RFI) problem with the electronic governor. The issue was reportedly solved with better shielding in 2005.[citation needed] At least one accident may have been caused by a crack in a fuel line due to lack of mechanical support between a manifold and a fuel injection port.[citation needed] Another accident involved flight into high-voltage power distribution wires, but the aircraft was able to fly again, following repairs, and the pilot was not seriously injured.[citation needed]

Design

Specific design features include a fully-harmonized rotor, modulated collective pitch system, very low twice-per-revolution vibration level due to elastomeric thrust bearings, sufficient flapping angle for low-"G" maneuvers and slope landings, control friction devices, and electronic throttle control (governor).

The feel of the controls in the Helicycle is modeled after that of the Robinson R22, such that quick stops and autorotations are performed similarly in both aircraft, reportedly allowing new pilots to transition to flying their kits with minimal adjustments.

Maintenance

Maintenance primarily consists of visual inspection of all structural components, wiring, and moving parts outside the power plant, and lubrication of bearings every 100 hours of operation.[citation needed] The time between overhaul (TBO) of the aircraft is estimated to be 1,500-2,000 hours.[citation needed] The track record of the Solar T-62 gas turbine power plant in military applications (CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-47 Chinook auxiliary power units) is reported to be excellent. So much so, that the maintenance schedule essentially consists of inspection of the power plant interior at 1,000 hours and overhaul of the power plant when wear is measured beyond established tolerances.[citation needed]

Specifications (Helicycle)

Data from {Eagle R&D}[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1

Performance

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eagle Helicycle.

References

  1. ^ "Helicycle Specs". Retrieved 2008-04-13.
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