An Ultralight Helicopter Experience: The History, The Theory, The Design, The Build, The Testing

By Paul Brydel

This book was compiled from the knowledge acquired during the engineering, design, part fabrication, and assembly of my full-function ultralight helicopter. Prior to tackling this task my only encounter with a helicopter was being airlifted out of the Atlantic Ocean during Air Force Survival Training. Every aspect of the project is included. The information is presented assuming the reader has limited helicopter background. It does however offer in depth calculations for those interested in the analytical and theoretical areas of this project. All calculations were done using Mathcad an engineering software program. Every stage involved in building the helicopter is covered in detail including - the initial investigation of helicopter history to establish starting parameters, a rigorous discussion on the theory, and a brief summary of how helicopters fly. From there it proceeds to the formal engineering process for the design and build of a functional helicopter. The book continues from that point to list the equipment purchased and a brief explanation of operational techniques to fabricate the designed parts. The material types used are also covered in depth. In the final chapters the flight testing experience is elaborated on. For the reader who would like to delve further into areas beyond the scope of this book, reference books are listed. These include such topics as advanced rotor aerodynamics, rotor planform theory, or training instruction on the various pieces of equipment required to fabricate the parts. This is not necessarily an easy read but there is much to learn and many interesting facets to explore whether just for an understanding or as an actual project to pursue further.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 151162695X
• ISBN13: 9781511626958
• Release Date: October 2015
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 452 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.0" x 5.5"