melsman Senior Heliman Location: Atascadero, CA
| I don't own the Hirobo Vertol model (even though I will eventually) but I have the instruction manual for it and I flew the full size CH-46 in the Marine Corps.
The linkage between the heads is a mechanical one, even though you can y-cable two servos to avoid the long linkages.
For a left turn, the forward swashplate tilts left, and the rear swash tilts right. The tricky part is when in a turn, the rear head wants to 'pass' the front head because they are now creating thrust out of line with each other. That's why a gyro on the tail is a necessity with the vertol.
On the full size helo, there are two redundant stabilization computers keeping the rear rotor head behind the front one. Imagine how much fun it is when you lose (or switch off) those computers in a turn. (The answer: REAL fun! "Change your pants" fun!)
Ashley |