Redback Aviation's own Spider Helicopter Image Gallery

QUICK LINK TO OTHER IMAGE GALLERIES   

It's been a long time coming but here is a sneek peak of a previous prototype in it's earlier stages of construction. Since this design we have changed a few things and as with all prototypes, it has since been evolved further into a more refined design.

This version of the Spider was constructed of aircraft grade 4130 chromoly steel tube. It was medium weight and strong with the airframe based on tringulated construction.

The engine was our own version of a Raven Rotor Suzuki G13 BB conversion with Garrett GT2554R ball bearing turbo (way too much power).

Reduction drive was a simple clutchable v-belt reduction system as with most modern light helicopters while using Gates Quad Power belts.

Main rotor gearbox was a modified late model Honda Goldwing rear wheel drive unit. While it performed well, we were not overly sure of it's life expectancy in a helicopter situation with differing loads and forces than it's original motorcycle configuration. An oil cooler was also necessary as heat built up quickly under load. There were many changes required to get it to run in the vertical position reliably.

The tail rotor was shaft driven with a commercial type industrial right angle gearbox which performed flawlessly. We reduced weight and improved corrosion resistance by changing the shafts to titanium saving more than 30% weight on those components.

The main rotor head was similar to the Mini 500 kit helicopter but basically of our own design.

The main rotor blade was intended to be of composite construction but at around $10,000 ex-factory for a prototype, we chose to stick to standard aluminium construction blades which were sufficient. The helicopter only gained minimal hover time before we decided to once again move with the times and technology to build a more advanced helicopter. Currently we have gone back to the drawing board and are researching drive gearboxes and engines again in persuit of a workable design.

Redback Aviation :: Home Built Helicopters Sidebar Divider

Enabling translate option
may distort page layout

Redback Aviation :: Home Built Helicopters Sidebar Divider
Redback Aviation :: Home Built Helicopters Sidebar Divider

 

Pro Flight Simulator - The Most Realistic Flight Sim Ever!
This Leads Nowhere Helicopter Menu Image Back To Top Of Helicopter Page Image