Hellenicopter: 2018

Agusta-Bell 206B RC Helicopter in Scale 1:5.7 of the Greek Army Aviation

Introduction

I have started this blog as an english-text alternative to a thread that I have opened in modelclub.gr (modelclub forum in greek) regarding my project to build an RC scale model of an Agusta-Bell 206B Jet Ranger II of the Hellenic Army (see unofficial site).

Now a few words about the project itself. The model is based on the fuselage provided by Vario (model 1004) in scale 1:5.7. There are very little differences between a Jet Ranger III (model kit) and an Agusta-Bell AB-206B Jet Ranger II that I needed for the project, so I decided to get the kit from Vario. The kit has been bought from one of the best specialists and professionals in the field, Mr Thomas Baumann who has helped me with making my choice of the model and its accessories (Helikopter Baumann). Thanks Thomas! I would also like to thank the team of eflight for their professional support not only for this construction but for all my RC models and accessories. In addition, I would like to thank the team from Innoflyer and especially Mr. Christophe Raible for the help with the lighting system and for letting me test a new CPL model before its official launch. I would like to add here the biwix.com RC helicopter store and Johnny Trolliet at my hometown Renens for his exceptional service, availability and prices!

The particularity of this project is that the mechanism that I fit in the fuselage is not the one from Vario but a modified Align T-Rex 700E (Align RC Helicopters). I will give here details on the way that this is done with diagrams, photos, tips and tricks. This will cover the first part. The flight tests of the modified T-REX 700E have been conducted at the RC model field in Dizy, Switzerland that belongs to the Dizy RC Modelling Group (GAM Dizy). Big THANKS to all the members of the Club for the great friendliness since the first day I started there and for their help with advice and tips!

The second part will be dedicated to the scale model itself. Some photos of the Greek AB-206B can be found on the internet but they do not cover all the details. More photos of the aircraft with the Greek colors may be requested in the forum of modelclub.gr where I have gotten most of them thanks to the team spirit and great friendliness of the members (THANKS^1000 dsamba!!!). In order to complete the photographic part of the project I managed to get my own photos of a Jet Ranger III. This has been made possible thanks to the courtesy of the people from Heli-Lausanne (Heli-Lausanne) who have immediately accepted my request to get there and take as many photos as I needed. A big THANKS to them too!!!

At the last phase of construction, I have got invaluable help for the dimensions of the AB-206B landing gear from Iraklis Karailidis. Many-many thanks to you Iraklis!

So after this short introduction I will start publishing the steps I have already taken and will take during this quite challenging project (at least for me, it is my first scale RC helicopter).

I hope that you will find this blog helpful if you have a similar (or the same) project as mine and you will enjoy it as much as I do!

Welcome!
Hellenicopter

15/09/2018

Videos of my latest flights

Hi,

Here are some videos of my last flights.

The second one is the best so far. The telemetry values from this flight you can find here.
The current doesn't go over 45 Amps. The consumption after around 4.5 minutes of flight is around 2Ah.

During the third flight the rear cowling of the engine started to lift off so I had to land the helicopter immediately.

More to come soon with the scale model of the cockpit and other details.

Cheers,
Hellenicopter

08/09/2018

First hover of the ΕΣ 511...

Hello,

After some disappointment in the beginning due to vibrations, I have finally managed to attenuate them and make a first hover of the heli. It's not a real flight as I was trying to see how the heli behaves in general after all the stuff added around and the weight distribution.

It certainly needs some fine-tuning but the result so far is not bad.

Some photos below and a video will be uploaded on my YB channel.

Many thanks to Philippe for the super-photos!

And once again, a HUGE "THANK YOU" to Dimitri Sambanis for all the help, material and encouragement all those years (5) of the project!

THANK YOU!

"ΤΟ ΙΠΤΑΣΘΑΙ ΤΟΛΜΗΡΟΝ": a small tribute to the Hellenic Army Aviation for its enormous services to the country and its citizens. ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ!

05/09/2018

Mechanics mounted, ready for a hover...

Hi,

Mechanics are mounted with some small trouble that has been resolved quickly but I was lucky not to ruin the heli!

Anyway, here are some photos of the helicopter with the mechanics on and the blades.
The blades need some paintwork, but this will be done after the first flight tests.

Cheers,
Hellenicopter

31/08/2018

More photos (exterior finished)...

Hi,

The fuselage painting is finished and waiting the installation of the mechanics.
You can see some photos below mixed with the original one... 😁
First flight approaching, I hope soon.

The fuel cap is not correct, I know!
It has been conserved at its original placement and size from the Vario kit, which is just... wrong! I hope that I will find the time to change that annoying detail later...
Nevertheless, the cap had been enhanced with a new 3D-printed model...

I still find it a total ripoff the price that Vario sells its (poor) kit that has not any detail at all and many errors...

Cockpit is still work-in-progress as some pieces are not ready yet.

Cheers