Welcome to redback aviation's world of homebuilt helicopters
Redback Aviation is an Australian company dedicated to the promotion of professional plans built helicopters. Over the years there have been numerous designs presented to the market that range from the overly simple (G-1) through to the massively complicated (Furia) mainly powered by two stroke engines. Each came with their own issues including flight performance limitations, reliability concerns and manufacturing difficulties. While support for some of these designs was available, the drawings themselves were mostly vague and seemingly incomplete. This isn't to say there was anything wrong with the product presented, in fact many of these pioneers of the homebuilt helicopter put much time, effort and money into getting their designs into the air.
On this site you will find a variety of free historical and technical information pertaining directly to experimental helicopters. We encourage you to take the time to look around and visit any links you may find of interest. We also hold the marketing rights under licence for the LoneStar Kit Helicopter from the late Ken Rehler of Star Aviation Inc, New Braunfels, Texas.
Our vision is to offer a personal helicopter that can be built from plans to suit individual's varied flying needs. We had been working on two different single seat models, the first being the Buzzard single seat helicopter that could be registered as an experimental helicopter with a two stroke power plant and simple airframe. This was originally based on the second generation LoneStar design with some basic airframe and mechanical modifications. While there are always parts that need machining when building, we have tried to keep them to a minimum and utilize as many off the shelf parts as possible.
The second release was to be the Spider helicopter which while being heavier, would be more suitable to more extreme flying parametes eg. real cross country performance. It would have increased endurance along with the more reliable four stroke engine to suit various pilot weight and altitude requirements. The design would share similarities with such designs as the Kinney HRH and BUG helicopter designs.
With affordability being one of the most common issues when considering building your own homebuilt helicopter, we have kept our design relatively simple while still maintaining a respectable level of safety. Materials availability has also been an important consideration in our design's.
While we have spent much money on persuing two designs simultaneously, we have resigned ourselves to the fact that concerntrating on only one design would be a more sensible solution to presenting a completed project. For this reason the Spider helicopter will be the focus of our design concept. Our helicopter plans are intended to cater to both the beginner and advanced builder in construction techniques and flight performance. A less experienced builder can have pieces engineered in small groups to spread the cost over time. Alternatively, an experienced builder could machine up their entire helicopter and assemble it in as little as a month (assuming you were working on it daily).
Whether the builder is a machining professional or just handy with a hacksaw, personal helicopter ownership can now be realised. With our quality helicopter plans, the ability to successfully build and fly your own homebuilt helicopter can now become achievable.
Redback Aviation's personal helicopter plans sets are professionally drawn and considered complete. All helicopter designs feature low maintenance, safety, and high performance. Our helicopter plans come complete with builders assist construction dvd's. Please note: Helicopter licencing and registration rulings may vary in different countries, please check with your local aviation authorities.
Visit our well stocked SHOPPING CENTRE! That's right, not one but three different helicopter specific shops for your buying pleasure. Stock changes daily to provide you with the best variety and selection on everything "helicopter".
The Auctions Shop is where it all happens for bidding on the old and the new. We have selected specific helicopter related items to be listed here from fully functional and flying craft to spare parts and accessories, even instruments and communications.
Our Classifieds Shop section provides Redback Aviation users the option to submit their own ads for anything directly related to helicopters. This might be actual aircraft, parts and accessories, or even aviation services.
In the Storefront Shop you will find many commercial products from helicopter technical and training books including supplies to navigational computers, clothing and electronics, games, flight simulator products, movies and more. The internets only "helicopter specific" shopping centre!
