The making of Blue Thunder the movie. By: Dave Herbert
In 1981, I was asked to fly my Byron F-16 in the Movie Blue Thunder.
John Simone was the National Helicopter Champion then and owned and operated the company called Impact Effects, Inc.
They blew up models in the movies.
I had plenty of experience with my F-16, and Frank Johnson devised a set of retracts for it, thus making it perfect for the movie, so I was hired.
John Simone also owned and operated the first RC helicopter manufacturing plant in the USA, called American RC helicopters. They made the Mantis and the Eagle.
He was the first known person to attempt and successfully loop a RC helicopter.
Only a couple of full size, specialized helis could do that, as it was not a practical maneuver for helicopters, and still isn't.
He also taught me to fly helicopters, for which I am grateful.
Now we have RC Helicopters that will hover upside down.
We have come a long way since 1981. Hope you enjoy this and are enlightened.
Now days it is all done with computers.
To get a nice RC helicopter check out this link at xheli.com for todays prices.
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3235026-10471876
MCPx Flybarless CP Heli converted to Single (1) Blade, No Tail Rotor and is the first of it's kind!
Horizon says their MCPx is the smallest Flybarless CP helicopter in the world, so that means mine is the smallest Single Rotor, (plus NO TAIL ROTOR) flybarless CP helicopter in the world.
If you understand how and why helicopters work, this video will prove that it isn't all that hard. My 3rd version Uni-Blade, No Tail Rotor, (NOTAR) is faster, and runs longer.
Maybe there are drawbacks to 1 bladed helis, but for toys and RPVs that need to be more stealthy, there may be an application it could fit.
Since this is the first of it's kind it's in keeping with continuing to challenge my mind, I press on. I can almost fly this better with 1 blade and no tail rotor, it seems. It has more power for sure.
If your bored with everyday flying like I am, then step out of the box and try the things most people would not.
I have proven this 1 bladed stuff with all kinds of helis and airplanes and have videos to prove it too.
In fact, see Adrian in Switzerland who took my idea and flies amazing 1 bladed 3D 550's. Here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4
And to those armchair pilots who like to tell me how and why it won't work, at least I try what I say to prove it to myself. And it sure works for me…all of them.
It is self pleasure, proof of my theory, and darn fun.
And to those who DO understand the invention process, the time it takes to balance the machines, the anticipation of first flights, and then the flight itself, I appreciate your attention.
Please take a moment rate the video, subscribe, and stay tuned for more RC Television shows. Thanks kindly for all your support.
Best Regards,
Dave Herbert
Academy of Model Aeronautics # 8221
Contest Director, Leader Member, Scientific division.
Here are a few links.
Adrian's amazing 1 bladed 3D Raptor 550.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4
Donovan's Hobby and SCUBA center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
http://www.donovanshsc.com
Blade mSR 1 Blade, Inverted Hovering Blade 400, Blade 450 trim, and Single Rotor Gas Heli demo.
* Please Read before Commenting* Challenged to make a 1 bladed mSR…I did! If your bored with everyday flying like I am, then step out of the box and try the things most people would not. I have proven this 1 bladed stuff with all kinds of helis and airplanes and have videos to prove it too. There were no Crashes!
Adrian in Switzerland took my idea and flies amazing 1 bladed 3D 550's. Here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4
So to those armchair pilots who like to tell me how it won't work, at least I try what I say I am going to do to prove it.
It is self pleasure, proof of theory to me, and darn fun.
And to those who DO understand the invention process, the time it takes to balance the machines, and anticipation of first flights, and then the flight, THANK YOU as I know you can relate.
And the Music I made was because I like the beat of that old song, so hope you tapped your feet a bit too.
Please take a moment rate the video, subscribe, and stay tuned for more RC Television shows. Thanks kindly for all your support.
Best Regards,
Dave Herbert
Academy of Model Aeronautics # 8221
Contest Director, Leader Member, Scientific division.
Here are a few links.
Adrian's amazing 1 bladed 3D Raptor 550.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4
Donovan's Hobby and SCUBA center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
http://www.donovanshsc.com
World's First and Smallest Single Rotor NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) Helicopter. The Micro Uni-Blade.
~Read Please~ I've experimented with Single Bladed Models for over 20 Years! If you understand HOW and WHY helicopters work, this video will prove that it isn't all that hard to learn. My 2nd version Uni-Blade, No Tail Rotor, (NOTAR) Helicopter is faster, lighter and smaller. It is the first of it's kind and in keeping with challenging my mind, I press on. I used 3 helis, and 1 airplane to make this machine.
I can almost fly this better with 1 blade and no tail rotor than most guys with full blown micro helicopters and all 4 channels!
If your bored with everyday flying like I am, then step out of the box and try the things most people would not.
I have proven this 1 bladed stuff with all kinds of helis and airplanes and have videos to prove it too.
NOTE. There were no Crashes!
Adrian in Switzerland took my idea and flies amazing 1 bladed 3D 550's. Here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4
So to those armchair pilots who like to tell me how it won't work, at least I try what I say I am going to do to prove it, and heck, it sure looks like it is working to me.
It is self pleasure, proof of theory, and darn fun. And to those who DO understand the invention process, the time it takes to balance the machines, and anticipation of first flights, and then flight, I appreciate your attention and am sure you can relate.
"If you continue to do what you always have done, you will always get what you have always gotten".
And… "He who dares nothing, need not expect anything"!
Please take a moment rate the video, subscribe, and stay tuned for more RC Television shows. Thanks kindly for all your support.
Best Regards,
Dave Herbert
Academy of Model Aeronautics # 8221
Contest Director, Leader Member, Scientific division.
Here are a few links.
Adrian's amazing 1 bladed 3D Raptor 550.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4
Donovan's Hobby and SCUBA center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
http://www.donovanshsc.com
One Bladed mSR, Inverted Hovering Blade 400, Blade 450 trim, and Single Rotor Gas Nexus demo.
* Please Read before Commenting* Challenged to make a 1 bladed mSR…I did! If your bored with everyday flying like I am, then step out of the box and try the things most people would not. I have proven this 1 bladed stuff with all kinds of helis and airplanes and have videos to prove it too. There were no Crashes! Adrian in Switzerland took my idea and flies amazing 1 bladed 3D 550's. Here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4 So to those armchair pilots who like to tell me how it won't work, at least I try what I say I am going to prove it. It is self pleasure, proof of theory to me, and darn fun. And to those who DO understand the invention process, the time it takes to balance the machines, and anticipation of first flights, and then flight, THANK YOU!
And the Music I made was because I like the beat of that old song, so hope you tapped your feet a bit too.
Please take a moment rate the video, subscribe, and stay tuned for more RC Television shows. Thanks kindly for all your support.
Best Regards,
Dave Herbert
Academy of Model Aeronautics # 8221
Contest Director, Leader Member, Scientific division.
Here are a few links.
Adrian's amazing 1 bladed 3D Raptor 550.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4
Donovan's Hobby and SCUBA center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
http://www.donovanshsc.com
Single Rotor Blade Gas Helicopter Experiment-The HAMMER-HEAD.
Please read first* Click link for fantastic FULL 3D Flight of big 1 bladed helicopter in Switzerland! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abXGxS6CUU4
My "Hammer Head" rotor head with 1 main rotor blade is another experiment! Although this was the maiden flight, and more balancing needs done, I proved the Single Rotor Blade Rotor head concept to myself in my past (as seen in my single rotor bladed videos. This led me to the next step of a bigger Nitro Helicopter test.
I used my one of my Vintage Kyosho Nexus 30's for this experiment. Since having success with my truly one bladed helicopter, the Hyperfly with no tail rotor blades, this was just natural and easy to do.
Again, this machine and setup surprised me as it uses less power, is just as maneuverable or better than stock. My theory proven is that since there is not as much blade turbulence, the one blade is quite sufficient, using less power with longer run times on electrics, and also being quieter.
My Physics Majors tell me that as long as the counter weight is on, there would be no extra stress on the bearings. Bearings get changed regular on real helis, so this is no problem normally. But if they start wobbling, I will tell you.
But since it is SO smooth, I think the bearings will last longer, however I have never burned out a bearing in any helicopter, not even a gas one.
That's because I crash them long before that. LOL! So I think bigger heli's could use this technique someday, but in the mean time, I will continue to fly my Heli's with one rotor blade, because I can certainly see the difference.
If you disagree, maybe you should make your own to see for yourself before making an opinion.
The Nexus 30 was NOT really a 3D Capable machine by todays standard, so please don't ask. I am simply proving a point to myself and want to keep my Vintage Helicopter alive and intact.
Bumble bees aren't supposed to be able to fly, due to unusual design and balance …..but they do! Backwards even!
So the point is that lots of ideas may work if your not afraid to try them. That's why I think a lot of our stuff is manufactured overseas, and not here.
People are afraid to try anything outside the box. But not me.
I have proven this concept to myself.
Stay tuned for more experiments like this and thanks kindly for all your support.
Best Regards,
Dave Herbert
Academy of Model Aeronautics # 8221
Contest Director, Leader Member, Scientific.
Here are a few links.
Blade 400 (Horizon Hobby)
http://www.horizonhobby.com
Kyosho Helicopters and Cars.
http://www.kyosho.com/eng/products/rc/lineup.html?minor_group_id=3&field_id=4
NitroPlanes PT-19 with ASP .61 4 Stroke Engine tips and maiden flight.
I 've been wanting to get back into Nitro airplanes and helis since moving back here to the Midwest since they can handle the winds much better than the foamies. That's mainly due to the weight and power. Folks ask me for beginner planes. Well beginner or not, this NitroPlanes CMP PT 19 coupled with the ASP 4 stroke Glow engine is a fabulous combination. The video says it all and would be a good trainer for RC, just like it was for my dad who was an instructor on the PT-19 when in the Army Airforce. He passed last November and this plane was purchased in his honor.
On another note, I ordered this PT-19 and engine from NitroPlanes over a month ago.
I also ordered another one with retracts that I intended to make electric from AK hobbies.
AK is located here in Iowa, and when I emailed them for a stock check, they said they had 16 of them.
I ordered and paid for one and expected it within a couple of days since they are local.
I am still waiting for over a month now!!
On the other hand, NitroPlanes had me one in 6 days, a record for sure, since they are out of stock a lot.
So my "tip of the hat" is to Nitroplanes and thanks for the service.
This is one really greatly built plane and the engine works perfectly.
Thanks for watching, subscribing and all your continued support.
Dave Herbert
AMA 8221
Contest Director
Leader Member
Scientific Division
Single Rotor Blade 3D Heli. E-Sky 900 + Mild 3D STUNTS of Blade 400 & Hyperfly
*** Please read before Commenting*** Vaguely tried a long time ago before today's vast technology, I have proven the Single Blade Rotor head concept to myself using today's modern machines. Why not before? Well, people said the concept is so ridiculous they would never consider doing it on big helis or models, because it simply couldn't work and would be a waste of time. Well, my past single blade rotor video experiments led me to this next step, a bigger, heavier helicopter. I used my E-Sky 900 for this next experiment and is not a waste of time to me. It is science, physics, and fun.
Theory: With one blade, there is not as much blade turbulence, thus it's quite sufficient, uses less power, has longer run times, and is quieter in cruise.
My physics friends tell me that as long as the counter weight is on, there would be no extra stress on the bearings. Bearings get changed at regular maintenance intervals on helis, so this is no problem. If my bearings start wobbling, I will tell you and change them.
With today's materials and technology, almost anything is possible.
CCPM helis are difficult for most folks to learn to be good on in the first place, let alone for novices to be able to experiment like this.
So for those "Armchair Pilots" with negative opinions, I suggest you make your own heli, learn to fly it good enough to experiment, then put one blade on it to prove it for yourself before making opinions that it won't work, is unsafe or ridiculous.,etc, etc.
Bumble bees aren't supposed to be able to fly on paper blueprints either (due to unusual design and balance), but they do….backwards even! So never say never.
The point is that lots of ideas may work if your not afraid to try them. That's why I think a lot of our stuff is manufactured overseas, and not here is because people are always so skeptical here, afraid to get hurt, etc, etc.
My idea sounded ridiculous to everyone I told I was going to try it to, but after explaining the theory, and with visual proof, they are now believers.
Lot's of people are afraid to try anything outside the box. But not me.
I have proven this concept to myself. Maybe it's not good for big helis, but it's sufficient for me as my helis do all I want or need them to do at my age.
I am sure that I have proven enough that at least small toys, models, and flying machines will become the next step to use the single blades on, as it proves stable, uses less power, and would be cheaper to make.
I like my setups so much, I am leaving my Hyperfly, Blade, and ES-900 just like they are now. It is way easier to fly, believe it or not and I have spare blades for all. Haha.
Stay tuned for more experiments like this and thanks kindly for all your support.
Best Regards,
Dave Herbert
Academy of Model Aeronautics # 8221
Contest Director, Leader Member, Scientific.
Here are a few links.
Blade 400 (Horizon Hobby)
http://www.horizonhobby.com
Single Rotor Blade 3D Heli. E-Sky 900 + Mild 3D STUNTS of Blade 400 & Hyperfly
*** Please read before Commenting*** Vaguely tried a long time ago before today's vast technology, I have proven the Single Blade Rotor head concept to myself using today's modern machines. Why not before? Well, people said the concept is so ridiculous they would never consider doing it on big helis or models, because it simply couldn't work and would be a waste of time. Well, my past single blade rotor video experiments led me to this next step, a bigger, heavier helicopter. I used my E-Sky 900 for this next experiment and is not a waste of time to me. It is science, physics, and fun.
Theory: With one blade, there is not as much blade turbulence, thus it's quite sufficient, uses less power, has longer run times, and is quieter in cruise.
My physics friends tell me that as long as the counter weight is on, there would be no extra stress on the bearings. Bearings get changed at regular maintenance intervals on helis, so this is no problem. If my bearings start wobbling, I will tell you and change them.
With today's materials and technology, almost anything is possible.
CCPM helis are difficult for most folks to learn to be good on in the first place, let alone for novices to be able to experiment like this.
So for those "Armchair Pilots" with negative opinions, I suggest you make your own heli, learn to fly it good enough to experiment, then put one blade on it to prove it for yourself before making opinions that it won't work, is unsafe or ridiculous.,etc, etc.
Bumble bees aren't supposed to be able to fly on paper blueprints either (due to unusual design and balance), but they do….backwards even! So never say never.
The point is that lots of ideas may work if your not afraid to try them. That's why I think a lot of our stuff is manufactured overseas, and not here is because people are always so skeptical here, afraid to get hurt, etc, etc.
My idea sounded ridiculous to everyone I told I was going to try it to, but after explaining the theory, and with visual proof, they are now believers.
Lot's of people are afraid to try anything outside the box. But not me.
I have proven this concept to myself. Maybe it's not good for big helis, but it's sufficient for me as my helis do all I want or need them to do at my age.
I am sure that I have proven enough that at least small toys, models, and flying machines will become the next step to use the single blades on, as it proves stable, uses less power, and would be cheaper to make.
I like my setups so much, I am leaving my Hyperfly, Blade, and ES-900 just like they are now. It is way easier to fly, believe it or not and I have spare blades for all. Haha.
Stay tuned for more experiments like this and thanks kindly for all your support.
Best Regards,
Dave Herbert
Academy of Model Aeronautics # 8221
Contest Director, Leader Member, Scientific.
Here are a few links.
Blade 400 (Horizon Hobby)
http://www.horizonhobby.com
Single Rotor Blade 3D Heli. E-Sky 900 + Mild 3D STUNTS of Blade 400 & Hyperfly
*** Please read before Commenting*** Vaguely tried a long time ago before today's vast technology, I have proven the Single Blade Rotor head concept to myself using today's modern machines. Why not before? Well, people said the concept is so ridiculous they would never consider doing it on big helis or models, because it simply couldn't work and would be a waste of time. Well, my past single blade rotor video experiments led me to this next step, a bigger, heavier helicopter. I used my E-Sky 900 for this next experiment and is not a waste of time to me. It is science, physics, and fun.
Theory: With one blade, there is not as much blade turbulence, thus it's quite sufficient, uses less power, has longer run times, and is quieter in cruise.
My physics friends tell me that as long as the counter weight is on, there would be no extra stress on the bearings. Bearings get changed at regular maintenance intervals on helis, so this is no problem. If my bearings start wobbling, I will tell you and change them.
With today's materials and technology, almost anything is possible.
CCPM helis are difficult for most folks to learn to be good on in the first place, let alone for novices to be able to experiment like this.
So for those "Armchair Pilots" with negative opinions, I suggest you make your own heli, learn to fly it good enough to experiment, then put one blade on it to prove it for yourself before making opinions that it won't work, is unsafe or ridiculous.,etc, etc.
Bumble bees aren't supposed to be able to fly on paper blueprints either (due to unusual design and balance), but they do….backwards even! So never say never.
The point is that lots of ideas may work if your not afraid to try them. That's why I think a lot of our stuff is manufactured overseas, and not here is because people are always so skeptical here, afraid to get hurt, etc, etc.
My idea sounded ridiculous to everyone I told I was going to try it to, but after explaining the theory, and with visual proof, they are now believers.
Lot's of people are afraid to try anything outside the box. But not me.
I have proven this concept to myself. Maybe it's not good for big helis, but it's sufficient for me as my helis do all I want or need them to do at my age.
I am sure that I have proven enough that at least small toys, models, and flying machines will become the next step to use the single blades on, as it proves stable, uses less power, and would be cheaper to make.
I like my setups so much, I am leaving my Hyperfly, Blade, and ES-900 just like they are now. It is way easier to fly, believe it or not and I have spare blades for all. Haha.
Stay tuned for more experiments like this and thanks kindly for all your support.
Best Regards,
Dave Herbert
Academy of Model Aeronautics # 8221
Contest Director, Leader Member, Scientific.
Here are a few links.
Blade 400 (Horizon Hobby)
http://www.horizonhobby.com
