Worthless Helicopter facts Part 2

[Goldy]

OK, my next attempt at grammar! So what was the PRIMARY reason that Frank Robinson designed the now common, T-Bar cyclic handle?

[RagMan]

The only reason I've ever heard was that the T-Bar cyclic makes it easier for the pilots to get in and out of the already small sized helicopter, especially for the ones who have a few extra pounds on them.

[Eggbeater]

My vote's on the decrease in weight; I seem to remember something about that. Makes sense too, in a helicopter that small, a complete second set of controls really adds up!

[gary-mike]

Didn't look it up, but it seems like there would be more lateral movement (my vote). I can see the weight argument also, but I don't know that there is that much savings for an extra tube. Never thought about it from an ease of entrance/exit stand point, but it sure does make sense.

 

Now, it has been 32 years right? When are they going to become a "daily comuter that the average american can afford to own and operate"? Wasn't that how the project for the R-22 started? I sure as hell can't afford one on my average income.

[arotrhd]

In the end, it's all about simplicity and cost effectiveness with Mr. R.

 

-WATCH FOR THE PATTERNS, WATCH FOR THE WIRES-

[heligirl03]

I vote lighter. Two sets of traditional cyclic controls and mechanical linkages would put a decent dent in the ~350lb payload of the HP. I have also heard ease of entry/exit which was probably just an added benefit in Frank's view. No grammatical arguments this time, Goldy, and I do owe you a beer and some questionable Chinese food, lol.

[AStarB3]

At the factory they told us it was for lateral range of motion

[Goldy]

I do owe you a beer and some questionable Chinese food, lol.

 

Yeah, that food was questionable, but I dont think I had much of a choice in the restaurant location! Next time we head to the beach where the best restaurants always are!

 

OK, according to the boys that know (whose names will remain protected) it was to increase the amount of lateral control. Look at the distance between your knees in a standard cyclic configuration...and now compare that to a T bar and how far the travel is from full left back to full right.

 

Weight reduction, simplicity and ease of entry were side benefits for sure. A bit uncomfortable for the CFI who has to reach up to grab the cyclic....but like Gary Mike says, it wasnt originally designed to be a trainer.

 

Frank wanted it to be a commuter, right up until he landed one in his backyard....his neighbors had other ideas.

 

Who was the one vote for the tail rotor changing direction? Someone has my sense of humor!

Edited April 29, 2011 by Goldy

[adam32]

None of the above...it was designed like that so the ladies (I believe I read Franks wife) can get in easily while wearing a skirt...

[Goldy]

None of the above...it was designed like that so the ladies (I believe I read Franks wife) can get in easily while wearing a skirt...

 

Like all posts, I never really know where things will end up...I chose this topic cause its an easy one with a lot of possible answers. But just like the FAA exams, there is only one "best" answer!

 

I did however receive some gentle persuasion from some friends "in the know", to go more in depth as to just why does a small helicopter need more lateral control. I could try to explain it myself, but I think this explanation is worth sharing for those that want to learn something. For those that don't, there is another worthless helicopter facts #3 post that you can read and vote on.

 

Enjoy!

 

"The R22 cyclic stick was mounted between the seats to desensitize the roll (lateral) response.

 

To explain: The swashplate must have a certain amount of lateral tilt available in order to compensate for crosswinds, slope landings, different lateral CG loadings, and any combination of the preceding. Also, light helicopters typically have an inherently high roll rate.

 

Now consider the typical R22 pilot sitting for a couple of hours. His legs must be in a comfortable position to prevent fatigue i.e. not too far apart. If the cyclic stick were installed between the pilot's legs, there would only be several inches of lateral movement available. Therefore, to control the previously described required lateral swashplate tilt, the cyclic would be overly sensitive in roll. Placing the cyclic stick between the pilots allows for more than one foot of lateral movement and desensitizes the roll response.

 

The center-mounted cyclic also results in easier ingress/egress, is simpler, and weighs less."

 

Yeah-what he said.

 

Fly safe, Goldy

[DanceswithCyclic]

Goldy,

Knowledge is power, and alot of little straws will break the camel's back. Thanks for your sharing. All of it.

Kevin M

[arotrhd]

Goldy, Knowledge is power, and alot of little straws will break the camel's back. Thanks for your sharing. All of it.Kevin M

 

 

True. Goldy's knowledge, well, the amount is almost too dangerous for the advanced pilot to consume, yet alone the average human. That's why he has to limit our intake with sessions likes these.

 

-WATCH FOR THE PATTERNS, WATCH FOR THE WIRES-

[Goldy]

True. Goldy's knowledge, well, the amount is almost too dangerous for the advanced pilot to consume, yet alone the average human. That's why he has to limit our intake with sessions likes these.

 

-WATCH FOR THE PATTERNS, WATCH FOR THE WIRES-

 

Yeah, yeah, you're just looking for a free beer! I need to find a designated pilot!

[arotrhd]

Yeah, yeah, you're just looking for a free beer! I need to find a designated pilot!

 

Umm, YEAH (duh).

 

A magnum of Stone Double Bastard is what I have in mind. I'll even volunteer you as the designated pilot...there, I found you one.

 

I'm finding that I like these worthless fact things more and more because eventually they go descend to the topic of beer. And we're still on part 2.

 

Another worthless fact is that Double Bastard is technically a Barley Wine due to alcohol content ( ). And a magnum is indeed a very big bottle.

 

Double Bastard Ale

 

This is one lacerative muther of an ale. It is unequivocally certain that your feeble palate is grossly inadequate and thus undeserving of this liquid glory...and those around you would have little desire to listen to your resultant whimpering. Instead, you slackjawed gaping gobemouche, slink away to that pedestrian product that lures agog the great unwashed with the shiny happy imagery of its silly broadcast propaganda. You know, the one that offers no challenge, yet works very, very hard to imbue the foolhardy with the absurd notion that they are exercising ‘independent’ thought, or attempts to convey the perception it is in some way ‘authentic’ or ‘original.’ It’s that one that makes you feel safe and delectates you into basking in the warm, fuzzy, and befuddled glow of your own nescience. Why so many allow themselves to be led by the nose lacks plausible explanation. Perhaps you have been so lulled by the siren song of ignorance that you don’t even notice your white-knuckle grip on it. You feel bold and unique, but alas are nothing but sheep, willingly being herded to and fro. If you think you are being piqued in this text, it is nothing when compared to the insults we are all asked to swallow streaming forth from our televisions and computers. Truth be told, you are being coddled into believing you are special or unique by ethically challenged “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” marketers who layer (upon layer) imagined attributes specifically engineered to lead you by the nose. Should you decide to abdicate your ability to make decisions for yourself, then you are perhaps deserving of the pabulum they serve. Double Bastard Ale calls out the garrulous caitiffs who perpetrate the aforementioned atrocities and demands retribution for their outrageously conniving, intentionally misleading, blatantly masturbatory and fallacious ad campaigns. We demand the unmitigated, transparent truth. We demand forthright honesty. We want justice! Call ‘em out and line ‘em up against the wall... NOW.

 

Anyone else care to join now that our designated pilot Goldy is going to buy?

 

-WATCH FOR THE PATTERNS, WATCH FOR THE WIRES-

[gfowler]

I believe it was because Frank has arthritis and it made it easier for him to get in.