Miniature helicopter

Generic toy miniature helicopter

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. ^[1]

Miniaturization

Anatomy of a miniature helicopter

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.

See also

• Radio-controlled helicopter
• E-Flite Blade CX and CX2
• Picoo Z - current popular consumer model
• Pixelito - early proof-of-concept prototype
• Proxflyer - prototype, basis for many production models
• Micro flying robot - one-off prototype, technology demonstration

References

1. ^ Epson Corporate: Newsroom

External links

• MAVSTAR Project at UNSW - Coaxial helicopter within a 30 centimetres (12 in) sphere with various sensors