Sceadu Evo lifting capacity?

[chixwithtrixx]

I want to start practicing low budget aerial photography/vid
I have a Sceadu 50 and want to know about how much you think it would lift well and still fly fairly well?

[Leif]

I retrofitted my Evo as a bomber for a local fun fly. Between the bomb bays and the candy payload it easily handled over 2.5 pounds of extra weight. The heli flew just fine with the payload. Not that I would try any aerobatics with the bomb bays attached, but it flew fine.

http://www.chesco.com/~lthomson/images/Evo_bomber2.jpg
http://www.chesco.com/~lthomson/images/Evo_bomber3.jpg

Mine is powered by an OS37/MP2 on 15% Wildcat with 550mm blades.

Leif

[Ivan]

I used to lift old fuel jugs filled with water withmy ergo 60. water is about 8.4 pounds per galon, so I would think a 50 would handle at least 5-6 lbs.

BTW a gallon jug of water dropped from 500 feet makes a spectacular explosion, even if it is just water.

[SteveL]

How hard was the heli to control when you instantly cut its weigh in have? I would think it would be a handful for a second.

[Leif]

Actually, the loss of two pounds in flight was not really that noticeable. The heli did become more responsive after the drops, but there was no sudden jump as you might expect.

The bomb bays are pretty heavy, having been constructed from PVC drain pipe they weight about .5 pounds each.

You will notice that the tail is more difficult to control when you add the extra weight. I believe that this is due to the higher torque you are pulling from the main blades and the higher inertia you need to move the heavier model as this happens even when hovering. I didn't notice too much aerodynamic issues in forward flight, but then again I never really pushed the performance envelope with the bomb bays attached.

The hardest thing is to coordinate all the activities at once. When bombing you need to establish the flight profile, hit the right radio switch to release, PAY ATTENTION TO THE HELI, NOT THE PAYLOAD after release, hit the radio switch to close the bomb bays and safely exit the area as dozens of screaming kids run out to gather up the stuff.

Leif

[SteveL]

I think I would pay more attention to the payload. I really would have thought the whole heli especially the tail would go nuts.

[Leif]

I think I would pay more attention to the payload.

Yup, and while you're doing this the heli would be following the payload right into the ground. It's really hard to concentrate on flying when the payload is in the air.

Leif

[Ralphw]

This summer we put a 50oz tank under a Rappy 50 and flew it in the ckub cross-country event (first ever with a heli) the Raptor had no problems with a full load of fuel Aux, Main and Header so I'd expect much the same from an EVO.