Art Applewhite Rockets Double Helix (13mm)

Art Applewhite Rockets - Double Helix (13mm) {Kit}

Contributed by Dick Stafford

Construction Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Flight Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Overall Rating: starstarstarstarstar
Manufacturer: Art Applewhite Rockets
Art Applewhite Double Helix 13mm

Brief:
The Double Helix is another new twist on the monocopter (pun intended)--it has two wings and flies on two motors. In fact, it's more or less two 13mm Helix Monocopters stuck end to end. Technically, it's not a monocopter but a bi-copter.

Construction:
The parts list:

  • Two 1/16" Basswood sheets
  • One 24mm tube
  • Two BT-5 motor mounts
  • Two ¼" dowels
  • ¼" launch lug
Art Applewhite Double Helix 13mm

This build is exactly like that of the 13mm Helix Monocopter, there's just a little more of it. It only requires Elmer's Glue All and an X-Acto knife with a new #11 blade. Instead of repeating myself, I'll refer the reader to that review.

Finishing:
I have generally just been giving my monocopters a clear coat, but on this one I decided to paint one wing day-glo red and the opposing wing day-glo yellow. The body is still just clearcoated.

Construction Rating: 5 out of 5

Art Applewhite Double Helix 13mm

Flight:
You form thrust rings with masking tape and friction fit the motors so they won't fall out. The motors should be oriented with their nozzles down. As with a Art's standard monocopters, you need a sturdy pad with a short ¼" rod (1" or so). Art provides plans for a suitable monocopter pad in the instructions. You will also need a clip-whip or a controller capable of firing two channels simultaneously since there is no way to twist those igniter wires together.

I flew the kit on two A3-4Ts ignited with a clip whip. It flew very nicely and went higher than its single-motored counterpart.

Recovery:
Unlike most of Art's monocopters, this model continues to spin until touchdown.

Flight Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary:
Like the standard Helix, this kit is easy and quick to build. When I first got this kit, I wasn't sure I'd like the clustering. However, the flight changed my mind. I liked the performance and the auto-rotating recovery.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Other Reviews
  • Art Applewhite Rockets Double Helix (13mm) By John Lee (July 11, 2008)

    Brief: The Double Helix is a great variation on the simple monocopter design from Art Applewhite. It is extremely simple to build and goes together quickly. It's also even more fun to fly than the Helix. I was lucky enough to get to watch the flights of the prototypes as Art was developing this line and now it seems like he is the source of a monocopter renaissance. It's a lot of ...

Flights

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