Unicopter Article & Plans
May 1973 American Aircraft Modeler
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Here
is a nifty little project for those of you who still actually build your
models. Finding plans for a flight-proven rubber band-powered helicopter
is rare. This construction article and plans for the Unicopter, a one-bladed
chopper by Mr. Bill Hannan, appeared in the May 1973 edition of American
Aircraft Modeler. It can be made out of a handful of materials that
are probably laying around your hobby bench area. It might not be as exciting
as a
Blade
MCX2 coaxial rotor RC helicopter, but... oh wait, it actually might
just be as exciting after all! Unicopter
By
Bill Hannan
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 miniĀmum investment in time and materials, but will still offer
the chance to explore the problems associated with rotating-wing aircraft.

One blade rotor easily flies this rubber band-powered and paper helicopter.

Back side can be decorated by copying the lines from the front side
to the back. Don't copy the words, they would only come out backwards!

For a helicopter, what could be simpler? Body rotates a little in flight.
CONSTRUCTION
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
perĀformance, 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 October 22, 2011
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