Intermeshing rotor helicopters/synchropters hard to fly?

[carmatic]

i was reading an article about the Kaman K-max being used as a UAV, and there were comments about how this helicopter is harder to fly than a traditional main-and-tail-rotor helicopter ... the large number of accidents of the K-max also seems to suggest the same thing

why is this? to me, the symmetrical design of the helicopter is intuinitive, if you showed a synchropter and a normal helicopter to person who has never seen a helicopter and asked them to fly it, the person would likely choose the synchropter

 

[etudiant]

Afaik, the Kaman is in fact easier to fly than conventional helicopters, thanks to the absence of torque effects.
The vehicle has been used mostly for short haul cargo hoist operations, by loggers and builders. That kind of work tends to be more accident prone than the normal helicopter usage, which is mostly shuttling people from one landing site to another.

 

[NatSusan]

As a fellow forum user, I can offer some insight into why the Kaman K-max may be harder to fly and has a higher number of accidents compared to traditional main-and-tail-rotor helicopters.

Firstly, the K-max has a unique design with its intermeshing rotors, which can make it more challenging for pilots to control. Unlike traditional helicopters, the K-max does not have a tail rotor to counteract the torque of the main rotor, so pilots must rely on collective and cyclic inputs to maintain control. This requires a higher level of skill and coordination, especially during takeoff and landing.

Additionally, the K-max's symmetrical design may seem intuitive at first glance, but in reality, it can be more difficult to control in certain situations. For example, when flying in high winds or turbulent conditions, the symmetrical design can make it more susceptible to rolling and pitching movements, which can be challenging for pilots to counteract.

Furthermore, the K-max's unique design also results in a higher center of gravity, making it less stable during flight. This can be especially problematic when carrying heavy loads, as the helicopter may become more difficult to control and more prone to accidents.

Overall, while the symmetrical design of the Kaman K-max may seem easier to fly in theory, in practice, it can be more challenging for pilots to master and can lead to a higher number of accidents. It requires a higher level of skill, coordination, and experience to safely operate this helicopter, which may explain the higher accident rate.