The HELICYCLE

[Apicella]

SPECIFICATIONS are taken directly from the Helicycle home page.
Hope that this does not offend anyone.


Modified Solar T62 turbine 160 derated to 90 hp
Single Seat 220 lbs max
Gross Weight 850 lbs
Empty Weight 500 lbs
Fuel Capacity (Note: Optional +5 only for 180lb & Less pilot weight) 21 (16 + 5 reserve) US gal
Range with reserve 160 miles
Rate of Climb 900 fpm
Hover IGE 9,500 ft
Service ceiling 11,000 ft
Normal cruise with doors 95 mph
Max airspeed at sea level @ standard conditions 110 mph

PERFORMANCE:( Speed & Altitude )

The HELICYCLE in it's normal configuration is designed to cruise along side the industry standard R-22. Landings and take offs at above 9000 ft. are possible because of a 7.5/1 power to weight ratio. The same as the Hughes 500.
FLIGHT STABILITY: ( Wind & Gust )

Aircraft stability is always challenged by adverse weather conditions. It is normally assumed that lighter aircraft will be further affected. The HELICYCLE at one half the weight of the R-22 is capable of being operated in the same weather conditions as the R-22, with no appreciable increase in pilot work load over that of the R-22.
HANDLING QUALITIES

The HELICYCLE has numerous design features which improve it's handling qualities. These include:

1. A fully harmonized rotor.
2. A modulated collective system.
3. Very low 2-per-rev vibration level due to elastomeric thrust bearings.
4. Generous flapping angle for low "G" and slope landing conditions.
5. Control friction devices.
6. Electronic throttle control.

EASE OF OPERATION : ( Leaning to fly )

The cyclic control in the HELICYCLE accurately models the feel of the R-22. With a high degree of control power, it provides a natural transition for the R-22 qualified student pilot. Low 2-per-rev vibration gives it a solid feel which is confidence inspiring during the transition. The modulated collective, automatic RPM control and R-22 equivalent foot pedal feel and response also help reduce that sweaty palm feeling on the first lift off. Preparing for autorotations is facilitated by practicing confidence inspiring throttle chops and quick stops which clearly show the lift and energy available in this rotor with the power off.

COST OF OPERATION : (In cost per air mile)
Direct operating costs:
Fuel 0.11
Indirect operating costs:
Routine maintenance at 100 hour intervals 0.03
Engine maintenance at 250 hour intervals 0.03
Engine replacement 0.11
Airframe retirement time parts reserve fund 0.09
total 0.37 per mile

1 air mile = 1 1/2 road miles on average. It's easy to see that the per mile cost of the HELICYCLE is less than that of a pick-up truck. This cost estimate assumes a new engine every 750 hours and a 1500 hour complete airframe overhaul. This schedule keeps the ship in constant new condition. A 45 minute commute is equivalent on average to a 15-17 minute flight considering no traffic and no stop lights for the helicopter. This is a time savings of over two days per month!

LOW ROUTINE MAINTENANCE: (100 hour intervals)

It is well known that the R-22 needs very little mechanical attention at 100 hour intervals. This is largely operation with the HELICYCLE and 30+ years of helicopter design experience, we feel confident that the HELICYCLE components will stand up equally as well. There are some differences. The R-22 utilizes mostly sealed bearings, so little greasing is necessary. To aid in controlling costs, the HELICYCLE compromises in this area with a 50/50 approach. There are 12 grease zerks and 2 sliders that do need a minute or two of attention now then, the rest of the bearings are sealed.

COMPONENT LONGEVITY: (major overhaul)

When your goal is commercial aircraft quality, you must use aerospace grade materials. This dramatically increases machining complexity and fabrication difficulty. Gearbox components, rotor hub pitch spindles, blade spars and other parts suddenly get very costly if you can't make them yourself, & no one can afford to buy them if they have commercial helicopter price tags. The tough problem of producing commercial quality parts in low volume for an affordable price is the heart and soul of the Eagle R & D helicopter program. We believe the HELICYCLE will make the grade into certified level lifetimes for it's drive train and rotor system components. (1500-2000 hrs.).

SAFETY: (crash survivability)

We didn't intend to be the one flying the HELICYCLE when it ran into high voltage wires at 110 mph. We were thankful to our Guardian Angel and also to the crash worthy design features of the ship when we walked away unhurt afterwards. The safety feature designed into the HELICYCLE are too numerous to mention here. The video which shows the aftermath of this crash puts them into a far more believable perspective.

[Apicella]

More Pictures.

[Apicella]

A few more pics.

[AndyG]

WOW!!!!!

[grostek]

Here is the link to the price

http://www.helicycle.com/Price/Price%20List.htm

Here is a link to an article

http://www.swaviator.com/html/issueJF03 ... e1203.html

Link to Helicycle videos

http://www.helicycle.com/Videos/Videos.htm


Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek

[Rudix]

Great photos of a real nice "toy" ! I first saw it flying at EAA Fun & Sun 2007 in Rustenburg.

We currently have 3 of them at Rhino Park, I will post some flying photos soon.

Fly safe,
Rudi

[Rudix]

A few photos from Rhino Park.









And from EAA Fun & Sun 2007







Fly safe,
Rudi

[Massimo]

Very nice. Pitty its only 1 seat.

[Tailspin]

Now this is My Dream

I WANT ONE OF THESE BABIES
Willing to Sell both my nuts