Miniature Helicopters
Miniature helicopters are remotely controlled helicopters with a weight ranging from hundred grams to a few grams. Most in production are toys aimed at hobbyists and enthusiasts. In addition there are many companies making prototypes for military and security applications. Miniature helicopters are popular demonstrations for the latest technologies in miniaturization.
Examples of these types of miniaturized models are the E-Flite Blade CX and CX2 and the Picoo Z, a popular consumer model. Also is the Proxflyer, a prototype and basis for many production models. One final example is a one-off prototype and technology demonstration item that was developed by Seiko Epson and demonstrated at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo is the Seiko Epson Micro flying robot.
- Miniaturization
Techniques involve reduction of weight and complexity compared to normal sized RC helicopters:
- Use of densest power sources available, such as lithium polymer.
- Battery capacity only enough for a short flight, typically a few minutes.
- Miniature DC motors.
- Electronics made of SMD components and ASIC chips.
- Light plastics or carbon fiber fixtures and structure.
- Infrared control instead of radio.
- Auto-stabilization with Stabilizer bar
- No servos; directional control only via variable power to the tail rotor.
Read more about this topic: Radio-controlled Helicopter
Famous quotes containing the word miniature:
“A little Morgan had one forefoot on the wall,
The other curled at his breast. He dipped his head
And snorted at us. And then he had to bolt.
We heard the miniature thunder where he fled,”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)