B309

OTHER: Miscellaneous - SynchroLite vs. UniCopter

Overview:

Considerations as to which helicopter to build; I.e. the SynchroLite then the UniCopter, or just the UniCopter.

Comparison between 1320 lb UniCopter and 660 lb SynchroLite; as to which one to build:
What about trying for a 254 + 60 = 314 lb SynchroLite w/ 2 or 3-cylinder engine, plus 3-blade CVJ w/ HS?
Advantages of Unicopter:

Can be built in a two-seat version.

High performance single-seat version.

Better base for the development and testing of new ideas.

Greater reliability (mainly due to the Lycoming engine), particularly in configurations where GW is below 1320 lb design weight.

Greater time between total overhaul will help reduce hourly depreciation.

Better for commercial applications, and perhaps recreational (rental etc.) applications. OTHER: Miscellaneous - UniCopter - Marketability

Combined commercial and recreational usage should result in greater production and thereby a cost reduction.

One of the rotors could be used in single-seat gyros or main&tail rotor helicopters.

Hourly depreciation of UniCopter might be less than that of the SynchroLite.

May have a better safety record due to over-design and a more sophisticated buyer.

One rotor can be tested on a gyrocopter and a main/tail rotor helicopter, which weigh under 660 lbs.

Advantages of SynchroLite:

A less expensive way to learn about intermeshing aerodynamic pros & cons. But only if full scale UniCopter is considered. Also UniCopter UAV can test tractor vs. pusher, plus Intermeshing vs. Interleaving configurations.

A large percentage of the design is done.

Lower cost for me to build and fly.

R & D modifications will cost less.

Can get it into the air sooner. (The single rotor above might be sooner. *)

If there is a terminal flaw, it will cost less to discover it. (Not if it is discovered in the single rotor above. *)

Cyclic stick forces will be less. Perhaps the Unicopter will require power assist.

Lower cost then the UniCopter, to purchase a new craft. (True; but the applications will be limited)

Hourly operating cost will be less.

May create interest and participation by others in the subsequent UniCopter development.

* Other than hub, blades and swashplate, the remainder of the single rotor helicopter is good for nothing.

The preliminary difference between the two single-seat craft is the strength and weight; particularly the engine. This is because the Unicopter will be sized so that modifications and additions can be incorporated later.

UniCopter E.W.	= 769 lbs.
Engine difference	= -200 lbs.
Stronger/heavier rotors	= -102 lbs
Stronger/heavier drive	= -38 lbs	Difference = 416 lbs.
Propeller	= -40 lbs
Stronger/heavier Misc.	= -036 lbs
Remainder	= 353 lbs
SynchroLite E.W.	= 353 lbs

Rough difference in cost of prototypes with same features except that the SynchroLite is 353 lbs. empty and the Unicopter is double this empty.

	Material cost = SynchroLite's x 2.0
	Machining cost = SynchroLite's x 1.75
	Assembly cost = SynchroLite's x 1.2
	Engineering cost = SynchroLite's x 3.0	Except that a lot of the SynchroLite is done

Comparison:

A rough and assuming comparison between the two, regarding the considerations as to which one to build.

Attribute:	SynchroLite	UniCopter
Category	Very Light Rotorcraft	Very Light Rotorcraft
Intermeshing configuration	Yes	Yes
Candidate for Rotor Governor	Yes	Yes
Cost of prototype	Fairly high	Higher
Cost to buy - if ever put into production	Expensive hobby	Higher
Pilot's license	Initially - full helicopter license ⁽¹⁾	Initially - full helicopter license ⁽¹⁾
Maintenance competence required from owner	High level	High level
Advanced technology; Innovative	Yes	Even more
Risk of technological failure	Medium	Higher
Transportability	Possibly	Not as presently designed
Time till operational prototype	1-2 years	3-4 years
High forward speed	No	Yes
Aerobatics	No	Yes, depending on engine
Vibration	??	??
Rapid and positive responses to pilot's control inputs	Good.	Very good
Trim, Stability and Control	Good	????

Notes:

The SyncroLite is not as radical as the UniCopter.

The SynchroLite has a higher chance of initial success but it is not as interesting.

Very few of the components will be common to both helicopters, but some of the thinking will have commonality.

(1) The new FAA 'Sport Pilot' does not include helicopters, (because of maintenance complexity?).

The UniCopter will satisfy commercial, recreational and rental requirements. This should increase the production volumes and decrease the unit cost.

Pros & Cons of Starting to Build the SynchroLite While Still Designing the UniCopter.

Pros:

Develop the governor etc. on the SynchroLite for later use on the Unicopter

Gain experience with blade construction.

The satisfaction of at last building something.

It might be a viable product; particularly if the UniCopter does not perform as desired.

Cons:

The development cost will be at least 1/4M and it will probably never be recovered.

If it is produced cheaply or has accidents, there will be a negative effect toward the Unicopter.

It will take time away from working on the UniCopter. About one full year, even with help.

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Last Revised: March 6, 2005