Engine Power required to lift the Helicopter?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the engine power required to lift a remote-controlled (RC) helicopter with a total mass of 25 to 30 kg. The key formula provided is Force required to lift = MA = 30*9.81 = 294.3 N. Additional calculations involve determining the area of the blades, power loading, thrust loading, and accounting for power loss due to the tail rotor, which consumes 10-15% of the total power. These calculations are essential for designing an effective gas engine for the helicopter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, specifically force and mass (MA).
  • Familiarity with aerodynamic principles related to helicopter design.
  • Knowledge of power loading and thrust loading calculations.
  • Experience with gear ratios and their impact on engine performance.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation of blade area using the formula A = Pi*r^2.
  • Learn about power loading (PL) and its significance in RC helicopter performance.
  • Investigate thrust loading (TL) and its relationship to power requirements.
  • Explore the effects of gear ratios on engine output and rotor efficiency.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for RC helicopter designers, aerodynamics enthusiasts, and engineers involved in remote-controlled vehicle performance optimization.

bhaazee
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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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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
 
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
 

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