Unicopter Article & Plans
May 1973 American Aircraft Modeler

May 1973 American Aircraft Modeler Table of Contents These pages from vintage modeling magazines like Flying Aces, Air Trails, American Modeler, American Aircraft Modeler, Young Men, Flying Models, Model Airplane News, R/C Modeler, captured the era. All copyrights acknowledged.

Unicopter

Helicopters are among the oldest of flying machines-at least in idea form. Leonardo da Vinci was doodling designs for them back in the 15th century. Yet, even today, helicopters remain much misunderstood, and only very recently have successful radio-control models of them been developed.

Our miniature 'copter was designed to provide maximum fun for a mini-mum investment in time and materials, but will still offer the chance to explore the problems associated with rotating-wing aircraft.

Begin construction by building the triangular fuselage framework from fairly hard 1/16" square balsa strips. A sheet of waxed paper will keep the sticks from adhering to the plan while the glue is drying.

The fuselage covering may be cut directly from the magazine, or if you like to preserve your AAMs, make a tracing of it on thin paper. Glue the triangular frame to the back of the fuselage covering, and apply a few weights to hold the assembly flat while it dries.

Next, cut the motor stick to length from a strip of 1/4 x 1/8" balsa of medium weight. Cut the angle on the top end, and glue on the little bearing spacer piece, which may be cut to size from leftover motor stick stock.

Bend the lower motor hook to shape from 1/32" dia. music wire and bind in place with sewing thread and glue. The rotor shaft bearing is cut from a length of 1/16" OD aluminum tubing by rolling a single-edge razor blade over it. Snap the tubing along the scored line, and sandpaper or file off any rough edges. The bearing is secured to the motor stick with thread and glue.

The completed motor stick may next be glued to the fuselage framework in the position shown on the plans.

The rotor is cut to size from a piece of medium-hard 3/32" sheet balsa. Sand it to an airfoil shape with a sanding block. A general cross-section is shown on the drawing, but the exact shape does not seem to be critical.

The rotor hub is made from a hard piece of 3/32" sheet. Carefully cut away one corner to accept the rotor blade. Drill a hole in the hub center for the rotor shaft, being careful that it is "square" with the face of the hub, so that it will run true.

A length of 1/32" dia. music wire is used for the rotor shaft. First, bend the hook end to shape. Next, slide the shaft through the rotor shaft bearing, add a couple of brass thrust washers, and the rotor hub. Using the drawing as a guide, make the right-angle bend in the shaft above the rotor hub, and also at the extreme end of the wire. This small bend serves to help retain the rotor balance weight. Using sewing thread and glue, bind the shaft arm to the rotor hub.

The rotor may now be glued onto the hub. Obtain a length of electrical solder, and wind it neatly onto the balance end of the rotor shaft. Hold the motor stick horizontally, and you will be able to determine the static balance by trial and error. A thin coat of glue will keep the solder in place.

And there you have it! Power on our model was provided by a single loop (two strands) of 1/8" flat Pirelli rubber. With limited winds, the model may be flown indoors. With more power, the Unicopter can reach surprising altitude outside. After winding, release the rotor a moment before letting go of the lower motor stick. In some cases, stability may be improved by adding a small amount of solder or clay to the bottom of the motor stick. For maximum per-formance, lube the rubber and stretch wind with a mechanical winder.

Once you have constructed and flown the basic Unicopter, you may wish to try a few experiments. For example, in theory, the rotor counter-balance arm should be bent slightly downward and forward to provide better dynamic balance. Then too, the addition or subtraction of weight in small amounts may contribute to reduced vibration. This is easy to test by holding the model loosely by the base of the motor stick, where vibration effects can be both seen and felt.

You might also care to experiment with different rotor lengths, areas and thicknesses. Additionally, different sizes of rubber motors may be tried. A great deal can be learned very quickly in this manner, which could prove useful on more sophisticated model helicopters. Happy hovering!

Unicopter Plans - Sheet 1

Unicopter Plans - Sheet 2

Posted May 7, 2022
(updated from original post on 10/22/2011)