Engine Power required to lift the Helicopter?

In summary, the conversation discusses the design of a gas-powered RC helicopter with a total lifting capacity of 25-30 Kg. The main question is what engine power or size (in cc) is needed to lift the helicopter. The conversation also mentions the importance of knowing the gear ratio and provides a formula for calculating the force required to lift the helicopter. It is noted that a portion of the power will be used by the tail rotor. The conversation ends with a comment on the complexity of finding the required power based on aerodynamic principles.
  • #1
bhaazee
80
0
I want to design a RC helicopter powered by a gas engine. The total mass to be lifted by the helicopter is 25 to 30 Kg. What is the engine power or engine size (in cc) required to lift the helicopter? Can someone please provide me some calculation?

Regards
 
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  • #2
It would be useful to know the gear ratio involved in going from the engine to the blades.
However once you know this and the power the following formula should help.

Force required to lift = MA = 30*9.81 = 294.3 N

1. Calculate Area of Blades A = Pi*r^2 (ft^2)
2. Calculate Power Loading PL = Power/A
3. Calculate Thrust Loading TL = 8.6859*PL^(-0.3107)
4. Lift = TL * Power

Be aware that 10 - 15% of the power will be used by the tail rotor.

Hope this is useful and gives you a rough idea.
Steve
 
  • #3
Thnx for the formulae. I have been going through the aerodynamic principles of helis. The relaions are quiet complicated to approximate the values and to find the power required.

Regards
 

1. How is engine power calculated for a helicopter?

Engine power for a helicopter is calculated by taking into account the weight of the helicopter and its load, the altitude, and the air density. Different calculations are used for different types of helicopters.

2. What is the relationship between engine power and lift in a helicopter?

The engine power of a helicopter directly affects its ability to generate lift. The more powerful the engine, the more lift the helicopter can generate.

3. How does altitude affect the engine power required to lift a helicopter?

As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and less dense, making it more difficult for the helicopter to generate lift. This means that the engine will need to work harder to maintain the same level of lift.

4. What other factors besides engine power affect the ability of a helicopter to lift off?

The design of the helicopter, including its rotor blades, weight distribution, and aerodynamics can also affect its ability to lift off. Additionally, environmental factors such as wind and temperature can impact the required engine power.

5. How does changing the weight of a helicopter affect the engine power required to lift it?

As the weight of a helicopter increases, the engine will need to work harder to generate enough lift to overcome the added weight. This means that a heavier helicopter will require more engine power to lift off than a lighter one.

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