The straight scoop on the Kyosho HyperFly
Rick Piester
American distributors for Kyosho). There have been a number of comments,
speculations and questions posted here about the Kyosho HyperFly. We felt
compelled to post some particulars that may be helpful for those
considering the purchase of a HyperFly or for those who have already
purchased one.
I'll try not to make this a shameless plug, but rather an informative
explanation of some important points. But please remember that it's my
job to sell the HyperFly so this is not entirely unbiased information.
<g> Specific questions may be sent to our Product Support staff at
74641...@compuserve.com.
- The Basics -
The HyperFly is a low-cost 2-channel electric helicopter. Based on our
testing with novices, we believe it is easier to fly than any other R/C
model heli. If you can fly a 2-channel sailplane, you should be able to
immediately handle this heli. And for those who haven't flown R/C at all,
this is not the best way to start, but with some help from an experienced
pilot it is surprisingly easy.
Unlike most R/C helis, the HyperFly has no tail rotor. Instead, it has
a large tail fin (tail dish) which counteracts the torque of the blades.
Flight time averages about 2.5 to 3 minutes. We have had a number of
flights over 4 minutes. It uses any normal 2-channel (or greater) radio
with a standard size receiver and servos. It will accommodate micro or
mini servos which will reduce weight and slightly improve performance.
Assembly time is minimal. The drive train and rotor head are
factory-assembled.
- Batteries -
The battery pack which is designed, assembled and sold in the U.S. and
Canada specifically for the HyperFly uses six Sanyo KR1100AEL "sub-A"
cells. Packs sold in other countries (and mentioned in posts to
rec.models.rc) may vary.
This is a 7.2 volt 1100 mAh pack. Other batteries were tested with
varying results. 1000 mAh cells yielded shorter flight times. 1400 mAh
"A" cells are physically larger and heavier. Their increase in capacity
(flight time, not power) was offset by the extra weight which resulted in
decreased flight performance - either reduced flight time or less
altitude, or both. A 7-cell 8.4 volt 1100 mAh pack provides marginally
better performance (power) with similar flight times to the 7.2 volt
pack. Contrary to some speculations in posts to this group, standard
"sub-C" car packs are _not_ usable due to their larger size and weight.
We offer a special HyperFly AC/DC charger (Hobbico 801 charger) which
charges at a slightly slower rate than typical R/C car battery chargers.
This was done as a safety measure for inexperienced modelers. Those
experienced with battery charging may want to use an existing charger,
taking into consideration the smaller capacity of these batteries.
Flight performance can be optimized by proper peak charging of the
battery pack. We have also noticed improved performance by uprading to
premium battery connectors.
- Motor -
The included LeMans AP29 motor is an off-the-shelf item that Kyosho has
used in a number of applications before, except that its timing is
optimized for the HyperFly. A LeMans AP29BB (ball bearing) motor is also
available which would probably increase flight times slightly, but the
power will not be as great due to the difference in timing. These motors
are "380-size" so other brands of 380-size motors will fit. Flight
performance with other motors is unknown at this time.
- Flight Characteristics -
Yaw control is provided by the relative wind over the tail "dish"
keeping the tail behind the nose. This means forward flight is required
in a no-wind situation. Stationary "hovering" can only be accomplished in
a 5+ mph headwind. We do not recommend flying in winds above 10-12 mph.
During flight, we have found that the HyperFly actually likes to turn
right better than left. Left turns can be accomplished, but a little
altitude will be lost. This can be mitigated by holding a little "up
elevator" (aft cyclic) before and during the turn.
- Crash-Worthiness -
The blades and tail-boom are the first items to break as is normal with
all helis. Due to its design, the HyperFly is surprisingly durable and
even severe crashes result in only minimal damage.
- Adjustments -
The HyperFly was designed to minimize complicated adjustment
procedures. The blade tracking is the most critical and can be a little
tricky to adjust at first. This becomes easier after you've done it a
couple of times. Once set, the tracking doesn't have to be re-adjusted
unless the blades have been changed or a crash has occured.
Blade pitch adjustments are not normally required. But if a lack of
adequate power indicates that this is necessary, shims may be added under
the leading blade grip holder as shown in the instruction manual.
Overall the HyperFly is much less complicated and much less expensive
than any other R/C helicopter to day. This will make it possible for many
more R/C enthusiasts to experience the enjoyment of heli flight.
Again, any additional questions may be sent to our Product Support
department at 74641...@compuserve.com
Rick Piester
VP of Marketing
Great Planes Model Distributors
North American distributors of Kyosho products
--
Rick Piester rpie...@interramp.com or rpie...@prairienet.org
Also: rpie...@aol.com/rpie...@eworld.com/74732,30...@compuserve.com
Rick Piester
The HyperFly requires a BEC receiver or a BEC switch harness. Due to
weight considerations, the receiver must get its power from the main
battery pack and therefore needs either a BEC receiver that will handle
the higher voltage or a BEC adapter which will step this down for the
proper receiver power.
--
Rick Piester rpie...@interramp.com or rpie...@prairienet.org
Bruce Brutt
areas of intrest!
1> How is this Heli launched properly?
2> If it's hand launched I'm sure you don't want to catch
It. Then let's say there's no wind that day and you have
to maintain foward flight without chance of hovering. Then
I presume you are going to land with foward momentum? If so
let's say on grass, does the Heli flip over on snaging grass
from foward sliding. If so does a flip over hurt mechanics
and blades?
Also a little knowledge on correct landing procedure whould
be great.
3> If you said you had up to 4 mins. on the battery flight time,
does that mean you can get 4 and land immediatly. I don't
know if you have a battery for motor + reciever or it's a BEC.
Anyway is there a autorotation capability? Thanks again.......
steve kerry
Thanks for the info!
It's good to see distributors and retailers are reading this group.
--
steve kerry
Rod Don
rpie...@interramp.com (Rick Piester) writes:
> Again, any additional questions may be sent to our Product Support
> department at 74641...@compuserve.com
>
> Rick Piester
> VP of Marketing
> Great Planes Model Distributors
> North American distributors of Kyosho products
Rick:
Is this product support for Kyosho only, or the entire GPMD line (Top
Flite, etc.)?
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Roderic C. Don <d...@ccm.udel.edu>