Derek Round
Heliman
Location: Bradford, UK
| Yes, did just that to an MFA Sport 500 (fixed pitch) about ten years ago.
Actually lowered the boom, put an engine (pusher) in it's original place, and a cruciform tail at the back with elevator and rudder controls. Kept the original canopy, tilted back the mast and reversed the blade pitch. Put a trike u/c on it as well. The swashplate was controlled in pitch and roll.
Looked great, but....
Tried to fly it on several occasions.
It would go like stink, but never leave the ground, even though the blades would get up to speed.
Came to the conclusion, at the time, that it was just too heavy....ie the disc loading was too high....and it was difficult to add bigger blades. This has been borne out since as research has shown this conclusion to be the correct one.
So bear in mind that you will need to make sure the disc loading is LOW enough, if you are to be successful.
Good luck if you try this! |
