AT A GLANCE Type:
Rotor diameter: Length: Weight: Battery:
R/C scale helicopter 16.7 inches 12.8 inches 7.4 ounces
7.4V 2S 600 mAh Li-Po
Radio: 6-channel transmitter with SLT or AnyLink and compatible 6-channel helicopter transmitter
Manufacturer: Heli-Max
Dist. by: Hobbico P.O. Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826 217-398-3630
www.helimax-rc.com
Two options are available, those being a Ready-to-Fly version with Tactic transmit- ter and a Transmitter-Ready version, which I was provided. Both include a 7.4V 600 mAh Li-Po and AC balance charger. As to be expected, my first duty was to set up my transmitter to fly the Black Hawk. But wait, I fly Spektrum…what is a modeler to do? Enter the AnyLink, a device which allows a non-Tactic transmitter to bind and fly Tx-R Heli-Max and Flyzone models. [See Febru- ary 2013 FM, pg. 44–45, for a complete re- view of the AnyLink system–Ed.] With the AnyLink now allowing my radio to communicate with the Black Hawk I moved on to programming the model. The in- struction manual does include some basic setup information for a few other radios. The only Spektrum radio settings provided are for a DX6i, and I found that a few of the set- tings are different for my DX8 (swashplate needs to be set to one servo and the Pitch channel needs to be reversed). However, a lit- tle trial and error saw my Black Hawk ready for the flight line.
It is crucial to mention that if you are new to setting up a helicopter either remove the rotor blades and/or be sure that your throt- tle hold is set properly to avoid accidents with the model spooling up unexpectedly. If you do not have experience setting up collec- tive pitch CCPM helicopters I highly recom- mend doing some web research, where there is a plethora of information.
Some detail shots of the Black Hawk. Everything from the windshield wipers and grab handles (above left) to the scale tail rotor location and working anti-collision lights (above right) are authentically duplicated. Just look at all that surface detailing too!
When I was happy with the way my Black Hawk was set up I got ready for the maiden flight. I used the included AC charger to top off the 7.4V 600 mAh Li-Po. After unfolding all four rotor blades, slip- ping the battery into its slot and popping on the nose I stepped back and advanced the throttle. The Black Hawk spooled up quick- ly and as it did I noted the rather high head speed. Lift off was achieved at around 60% throttle.
Once in the air I found the UH-60 to be both stable and mellow with the recom- mended throws and pitch/throttle curves. The small heli was not twitchy or sensitive and I would say that, set up per the manual, it achieves very scale-like flight. I had set my timer at 5 minutes, also per the manual, and I filled this time with getting a feel for the Black Hawk and doing some gentle fly- bys and pirouettes. The incredible detail of the model really shows in the air, and you’d be forgiven for occasionally mistaking it for the real thing.
After putting several more flights on my Black Hawk, I find myself liking it more and more. It’s phenomenal presence in the air and gentle characteristics make me want to really rack up the sorties. The Black Hawk includes optional larger foam tires to soak up bouncy landings, but I have not found them to be needed. While I would not recom- mend it as a first heli due to the somewhat fragile nature of the scale body and lack of PHOTO: JENNIFER SUSICKE
training gear, I am confident it would make a great second machine (although a full line of parts is available should the worst hap- pen anyway). The Black Hawk is also fully 3D capable and will do virtually anything you ask of it. As an intermediate heli pilot I was perfectly happy doing some basic loops and rolls after bumping up the throws/curves a little, but I must admit seeing a Black Hawk inverted is a bit strange. Maybe I will leave the fancy stuff for my sport helis. The UH-60 is cer- tainly small enough to fly indoors, but I would recommend against it unless you have a large flying area. The high head speed and intricate inner workings would make a blade-contact crash rather damag- ing. Handling the Black Hawk and remov- ing/installing the removable nose does re- quire a bit of attention as it is easy to damage the fragile antennas. Heli-Max was no doubt aware of this as a few spares are included.
The Heli-Max Black Hawk is truly an en- gineering marvel for how much tech was fit into such a small, incredibly scale package. A general rule in the heli world is “bigger flies better,” but I can honestly say the UH- 60 flies as solid and stable as helis (literally) several times its size. If you are a scale afi- cionado like me, you will no doubt appreci- ate what Heli-Max has done here, and love every minute of lifting off to that next clan- destine mission!
Battery access on the Black Hawkis gained by the removable nose (above), which is held in place with magnets. Care must be taken when removing and re- installing it due to the small antennas flanking it. The real thing about to make a troop drop or micro R/C model (at right)? With all that incredible detail sometimes it’s tough to tell!
FLYING MODELS 29
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