New ultralight helo design, no license required!

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - New ultralight helo design, no license required! (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:10:00 AM EDT

I just saw a blurb on CNN.com about the Air Scooter:
www.airscooter.com/pages/airscooter_main.htm

Intuitive controls, without cyclic/collective/pedal crap to worry about:

It's in final testing, and the estimated price is around $50K, which is DIRT CHEAP for a helo.

I rather like it.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:12:52 AM EDT

[#1]

What kind of fuel does it use?

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:15:07 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
What kind of fuel does it use?

Phased Plasma.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:15:57 AM EDT

[#3]

Would be awesome if you owned a lot of land. You could easily keep an eye on things.

Is it just me, or is it designed to be amphibious?

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:17:48 AM EDT

[#4]

You'll chop you're head off with that thing kid.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:17:58 AM EDT

[#5]

Neat.

I'll stick with my trike though:

Less than $10,000, and still no license needed.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:18:20 AM EDT

[#6]

And it has enough inertia in those itty bitty main rotors to autorotate about like a brick.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:18:39 AM EDT

[#7]

I don't see where you would mount the LMG though.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:18:42 AM EDT

[#8]

That looks like a really fun way to get killed.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:18:58 AM EDT

[#9]

Yes, it's amphibious.

Here's info on the engine:

The patented AeroTwin engine is the result of a "gap" in the ultralight engine market that was discovered as AirScooter Corporation searched for a light 4-stroke engine in the 50-75 horsepower range to power the AirScooter craft. When an existing engine could not be found, AirScooter Corporation decided to commission the design of a new engine. AirScooter Corporation established AeroTwin Motors Corporation as the master manufacturer and distributor of the AeroTwin engine, which was designed by motorcycle racing engine specialists Bill White of New Zealand. White designed and engineered an ultralight-weight 4-stroke engine specifically for AirScooter. After over three years of intense design and testing; the AeroTwin engine can easily produce 65 horsepower at 4,200 RPM and weighs in at less than 90 pounds dry (includes cooling shroud, exhaust and oil reservoir). Beyond filling the gap in the market, the 4-stroke AeroTwin engine delivers the safety advantages and lower noise of a 4-stroke engine compared to the popular 2-stroke engines used for most ultralight craft. Additional features that are unique to the AeroTwin engine include: an internal air cooling oil scavenging turbo charging system, reversible cylinder heads (swap sides for inlet and exhaust), the hollow head studs serve as oil passageways to cam boxes, the engine can run both vertical and horizontal, an EMS (Engine Management System) is incorporated into the inside lid of the plenum chamber to reduce loom size and provide cooling, the cylinder barrels are cast into the head as one piece, the combustion chamber is entirely ceramic coated, the hollow cam shafts reduce weight, the bore/stroke relationship is structured to reduce secondary imbalance without the need for balancing shafts and the output drive is available from both ends of the engine. The AeroTwin engine will also be marketed for additional uses to include fixed-wing aircraft, other ultralight and kit aircraft, portable electric power generation and pumping and more. For more detailed information on the AeroTwin engine visit www.aerotwinmotors.com.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:18:59 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
You'll chop you're head off with that thing kid.

In beofre the posting of that vid where the guy raises his arms in victory...while under the helicopter rotors.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:20:49 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
Quoted:
You'll chop you're head off with that thing kid.

In beofre the posting of that vid where the guy raises his arms in victory...while under the helicopter rotors.

Haven't seen it but ---Oouuch

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:21:04 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
And it has enough inertia in those itty bitty main rotors to autorotate about like a brick.

On their FAQ page, they state that it is not designed to autorotate, as it operates at lower altitudes, where even regular helos don't autorotate very well.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:21:43 AM EDT

[#13]

It does run on regular gasoline.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:22:29 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
And it has enough inertia in those itty bitty main rotors to autorotate about like a brick.

I think that's why they have the big bouncy cushion thingies on the bottom.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:22:32 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
I don't see where you would mount the LMG though.

Hell, mount 'em on the floats!

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:25:28 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
That looks like a really fun way to get killed.

Although I can think of easier ways - many of which do not invovle me shitting myself right before I die.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:26:45 AM EDT

[#17]

It looks almost exactly like these little scout helicopters Soviet icebreakers used to find the easiest path through the ice pack

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:27:07 AM EDT

[#18]

fit it with a Hayabusa engine and of you go

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:28:17 AM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
That looks like a really fun way to get killed.

+1

I live very close to a small rural airport and we average about 2-3 deaths a year from some George Jetson wanna-be that thinks a John Deere tractor w/ wings is supposed to 'fly like a bird' vs 'run like a deer'

Do your family a favor and double down on your life insurance.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:28:40 AM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
Quoted:
And it has enough inertia in those itty bitty main rotors to autorotate about like a brick.

On their FAQ page, they state that it is not designed to autorotate, as it operates at lower altitudes, where even regular helos don't autorotate very well.

Looking at the mass on those blades my guess would be anything over about 10 feet and you would be fooked.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:42:40 AM EDT

[#21]

Nice engine but that is a death trap helicopter. It would be an excellent ultralight powerplant or experimental Sportplane...yes, you CAN have experimentals under Sport pilot regulations.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:44:05 AM EDT

[#22]

Latter day Benson Gyrocopter. Updated to kill you quicker, after emptying your wallet.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:47:26 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:
Nice engine but that is a death trap helicopter. It would be an excellent ultralight powerplant or experimental Sportplane...yes, you CAN have experimentals under Sport pilot regulations.

Here's the Sport Plane I'm holding out for...new job comes through and it will be mine, oh yes...

Mermaid Sport Plane

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:48:45 AM EDT

[#24]

But I thought the Robarms-Moller SkyXCaR will be shipping two weeks from now?

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:52:02 AM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
That looks like a really fun way to get killed.

I was thinking a huge surge in Darwin Awards.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:53:22 AM EDT

[#26]

If you paid me $50,000 I MIGHT take a ride in some lawnmower with blades. To pay for the privilage..... no way.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:54:29 AM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Nice engine but that is a death trap helicopter. It would be an excellent ultralight powerplant or experimental Sportplane...yes, you CAN have experimentals under Sport pilot regulations.

Here's the Sport Plane I'm holding out for...new job comes through and it will be mine, oh yes...
www.skyshops.org/images/on%20step2.jpg

Mermaid Sport Plane

Iran has these too

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:57:36 AM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Nice engine but that is a death trap helicopter. It would be an excellent ultralight powerplant or experimental Sportplane...yes, you CAN have experimentals under Sport pilot regulations.

Here's the Sport Plane I'm holding out for...new job comes through and it will be mine, oh yes...
www.skyshops.org/images/on%20step2.jpg

Mermaid Sport Plane

Iran has these too

i3.tinypic.com/vscaky.jpg

But theirs are stealth. And only ten countries have the technoligy to make them.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:58:14 AM EDT

[#29]

That thing looks badass!! I'd buy it and fly it daily if I had an extra 50 large layin around.

All you "deathtrap!" types....Your just a bunch of old crotchety sticks in the mud.

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:01:17 AM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
That thing looks badass!! I'd buy it and fly it daily if I had an extra 50 large layin around.

All you "deathtrap!" types....Your just a bunch of old crotchety sticks in the mud.

At least I won't be a crater in the mud!

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:02:12 AM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:
It looks almost exactly like these little scout helicopters Soviet icebreakers used to find the easiest path through the ice pack

I believe you're referring to the Kamov Ka-32 "Helix". I took a look around for other Kamov designs, and this one goes back to 1947, the Ka-8:

Looks strangely familiar...

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:05:44 AM EDT

[#32]

Hold my beer...

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:05:57 AM EDT

[#33]

Lawnmower helicopter: $50,000
Helmet: $75
Five gallons of gas: $13

Dropping urine bombs on idiots who cause fender benders during the morning commute and tie up the entire freeway: Priceless

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:06:00 AM EDT

[#34]

I believe its the forward motion of the helo/gyrocopter that create the ability to autorotate

nice how the gas tank is right in front so when you nose dive you get covered in flaming gas!!

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:06:09 AM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:
Quoted:
That thing looks badass!! I'd buy it and fly it daily if I had an extra 50 large layin around.

All you "deathtrap!" types....Your just a bunch of old crotchety sticks in the mud.

At least I won't be a crater in the mud!

Why not saves time on burial. Skip wake and go sraight to the burial. leaves more time and money for the after party where everyone gets loaded.

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:09:22 AM EDT

[#36]

Cool, an new engine in a new aircraft flown by untrained pilots a few hundred feet above the ground!

What could go wrong!

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:09:35 AM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
I believe its the forward motion of the helo/gyrocopter that create the ability to autorotate

nice how the gas tank is right in front so when you nose dive you get covered in flaming gas!!

Fuel tank is the silver thing behind the seat. I'd imagine the plastic part up front holds balast.

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:10:01 AM EDT

[#38]

That helo is cool but INSANE.

No an ultralite that is also a glider......maybe.

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:12:52 AM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
Cool, an new engine in a new aircraft flown by untrained pilots a few hundred feet above the ground!

What could go wrong!

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:28:34 AM EDT

[#40]

$50k seems a little inflated but I'd totally like to have one.

I'd rather have one of these... if it ever gets off the ground.... pun intended.

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:43:27 AM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
Quoted:
I believe its the forward motion of the helo/gyrocopter that create the ability to autorotate

nice how the gas tank is right in front so when you nose dive you get covered in flaming gas!!

Fuel tank is the silver thing behind the seat. I'd imagine the plastic part up front holds balast.

No, the silver tank is oil, this is a dry sump lubricated engine. Air scavenged. The oil tank is under slight pressure for the primary oil pump.

That engine is the perfet powerplant for a Hummelbird. With gear reduction drive, Ivoprop constant speed prop and properly counterweighted controls, it should make the H-ird do 150 Kts. Morry Hummel thinks the world of the half VW. Yuck.

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:49:41 AM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I believe its the forward motion of the helo/gyrocopter that create the ability to autorotate

nice how the gas tank is right in front so when you nose dive you get covered in flaming gas!!

Fuel tank is the silver thing behind the seat. I'd imagine the plastic part up front holds balast.

No, the silver tank is oil, this is a dry sump lubricated engine. Air scavenged. The oil tank is under slight pressure for the primary oil pump.

That engine is the perfet powerplant for a Hummelbird. The Morry Hummel thinks the world of the half VW. Yuck.

I'm just basing my guess off of the pics on the wib site, but I only see one line running from the silver tank to the engine, it has a fuel style cap on it, and using that red plastic thing out front would lead to a hell of a CG move as fuel is consumed.

Posted: 4/18/2006 8:54:18 AM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:
Quoted:
That looks like a really fun way to get killed.

Although I can think of easier ways - many of which do not invovle me shitting myself right before I die.

You're just gonna shit yerself right after you die, so why not do it before and enjoy one last, really good dump?

Posted: 4/18/2006 9:03:55 AM EDT

[#44]

If that's 50K, the 25K of that price is for the manufacturer's insurance.

Posted: 4/18/2006 9:07:56 AM EDT

[#45]

I'm waiting for the model that mounts guns so I can go elk hunting. Is there also a cargo model to carry the carrion back to camp?

Posted: 4/18/2006 9:11:48 AM EDT

[#46]

It is not a kit. It comes assembled save for the rotors. That might explain the price.

The engine will be available by itself for other uses.

Posted: 4/18/2006 9:12:56 AM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:
Quoted:
That looks like a really fun way to get killed.

Although I can think of easier ways - many of which do not invovle me shitting myself right before I die.

Posted: 4/18/2006 9:17:45 AM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:
$50k seems a little inflated but I'd totally like to have one.

I'd rather have one of these... if it ever gets off the ground.... pun intended.

www.21stcentury.co.uk/images/technology/solotrek_main.jpg

You can order one to fly on an Experimental License right now. They do indeed fly. At $1.25M though, they are a bit out of my price range.

As for the Airscooter. Looks like fun. Outfit it with a ballistic parachute system and you are good to go. Just don't run into any power lines.

I wonder if they'd let me commute to work on one of those? Or if the FAA would send out its gunships to shoot me down?

Posted: 4/18/2006 9:21:26 AM EDT

[#49]

"Intuituive controls" in a helo with a true rigid rotor.

Just don't fly higher than you are willing to fall with flailing parts all around.

["Composite Torque I-Box" structure is just unadulterated bullshit, it's mostly round tubes cantileverd off the mast. I know the reference in the specs is to the rotor construction, and it's an inaccurate description of that, too.]

If you are interested, you will be wise to wait until the engine is actually available. Waiting until many helos have been sold and successfully flown (this includes one successful takeoff and landing per flight) is also a wise move. After that, you might want to see how well the factory supports the product in the field, then buy. Or, you can finance another aviation dreamer and serve as his ~~test pilot~~ guinea pig, maybe sorting the bugs out, maybe not.

No thanks.

Posted: 4/18/2006 9:23:04 AM EDT

[#50]

At $50k per unit, it's still cheaper to fly first class...

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - New ultralight helo design, no license required! (Page 1 of 2)

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