Sneak Peek - Leviathan Conversion - Agile 7.2

[carey shurley]

watch this space for the next project from Leviathan Design and www.gas-powered-helicopters.com, The Gas Agile 7.2!

[DaweMD]

Can't wait!

[rcnut]

AAAAAHHHhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're killing me Carey!!!!! I have an Agile 7.2!!!!!

Who is test flying this heli? Need a volunteer? I could do a demo at IRCHA!!!


I truly need help! LoL!

[carey shurley]

it will be a while. Joey will post in here when he's got something ready

[jc23cl]

Hey RCNUT, sweet !

Have you built it, what are your thoughts ? Anything you wish it had, didn't have etc.
How does it fly compared to other 700's you have had ?

Just a few Questions, lol.

Joey

[rcnut]

Hey jc23cl!,

Yep, I have the Agile 7.2 electric. I bought this to replace the Whiplash electric when MA announced their closing. The build is a little different than most heli's, but not too difficult…just different. About the only thing "I" don't care too much about is the threaded rod setup to hold the boom with. I'm sure there is a good explanation as to why, but I haven't asked.

The Agile fly's like a dream. It is very precise, snappy when you need it, and feels very comfortable. I set mine up like the others…1600 rpm, 1800 rpm, and 2100 rpm. I think it flys a bit better than the Whiplash electric and much better than the Align 700. It might fly a bit better than the Compass 7HV, I haven't flow the 7HV in some time. I set my collective range to +/-14 degrees and it has no problems at full collective.

I often thought about this heli becoming a gasser! And the Rave ENV as well!!! Hint, hint! LoL!

More on the Agile later, gotta go!

[petercp4e]

Since it has been posted that you are going to do a conversion kit I have been doing a lot of homework on this and have come up with a couple of things so far.
As far as I can tell the kit comes with a DFC head. Will this be a concern?
I read on a KDS thread that a lot of guys were complaining about the motor belt wearing out really fast, like in 50 or so flights. Don't know if it's true firsthand but thought it would be worth mentioning.
I've got a really good feeling about this one!!! I looked at these KDS helicopters last year and they were absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you Joey!!!
Pete <:-}

[carey shurley]

I talked with KDS, they indicate their DFC head doesn't have the RPM issues that some of the other DFC heads have

regardless, later this year they will have a non-DFC head available for those that prefer that setup

[rbort]

And especially after Pete says after 50 flights you need to replace them as they wear.

I would assume that on the Agile once the power system is in there the gas engine is going to drive the main gear direct with no belt, just need a pinion for the clutch bell to fit the main.

Looks like a good 2nd option to the Goblin conversion, I plan on taking a look at this heli first hand at IRCHA as I have never seen one in person.

-=>Raja.

[rcnut]

Raja,

I can bring mine to IRCHA for you to see and touch…if you like!

[rbort]

Definitely Ray! If you don't mind I'd like to take a flight with it too to see how she feels.

-=>Raja.

[rcnut]

Ok, your on! And don't forget your story!

After that first run, I did several start ups at my house, including testing the smoke system. The neighbors were ready to call the fire department due to the amount of smoke I was able to generate!
Remind me to tell you a story about that when we meet at IRCHA, I got a good one for you…

[rcnut]

I read on a KDS thread that a lot of guys were complaining about the motor belt wearing out really fast, like in 50 or so flights. Don't know if it's true firsthand but thought it would be worth mentioning...

I haven't come to this problem yet...I am under 20 flights with mine so far. I've been too busy with my other (Goblin) gas helicopters (Goblin) to find time to fly my (Goblin) Agile! LoL! I've been putting in some time on the Goblin to get the motor broke-in, plus working 10 hour days makes it rough to cycle through the others.

Kind of like today, I'll have time for a couple of Goby flights, then test fly Mark's Raptor G4 and work with him on his flights. Then it's rush home and get to be early only to get up at 2:00 AM and head to work! Come on IRCHA!!!

I agree with petercp4e, I would like to see a direct drive (unless your belts are way better!) system versus a belt drive. Providing this is a common failure point. Also the one way bearing on the main gear is weak. I had a tip over at 1200 rpm and stripped out the one way bearing...its now a two way! And that "key" that is used in the keyway to hold the OWB assembly...I almost sheared it in half, and was told there is no replacement part on the part list for it.

That's about all I have for the Agile 7.2. Its a wonderful heli to fly and can't wait to see how it will handle a gas motor!

Where are you planning to move the radio tray to? On top somewhere?

[jc23cl]

Hey guys,

Received my donor kit today, yay.

Its a nice looking heli, from a manufacturing point of view !

I'll put screen shots up soon......got some measuring and modelling to do : )

Joey.

[jc23cl]

Yep, let the fun and games begin

So far the critical areas I always start with for basic compliance is so far good.

Gear Ratio with 25 Tooth Pulley is 7.128, and works so far with standard belt.

I'll try and get a 16oz Nalgene Bottle tomorrow and throw it in, now would people prefer the tank at the back, or unseen in the canopy ?

Any way so far so good. ( I'm liking these Agile components, quality is looking good ).




Regards Joey.

[Sowa]

Originally Posted by jc23cl

I'll try and get a 16oz Nalgene Bottle tomorrow and throw it in, now would people prefer the tank at the back, or unseen in the canopy ?
Regards Joey.

Looks good!

I would have to say function over form in this case. I would want the tank to be in a location that changes the cg of the model the least throughout the flight.

[brw0513]

Originally Posted by mitsudriver274

Looks good!

I would want the tank to be in a location that changes the cg of the model the least throughout the flight.

What about two tanks plumbed together so the CoG doesn't change during flight?

[rcnut]

I would agree with mitsudriver274…

I would have to say function over form in this case. I would want the tank to be in a location that changes the cg of the model the least throughout the flight.

Joey…where are you planning to put the radio tray and LiPo pack?

Awesome bud!

[Sowa]

Originally Posted by brw0513

What about two tanks plumbed together so the CoG doesn't change during flight?

That's an interesting concept, I dunno how you could get the transfer rate the same between the two tanks? Maybe a centrally located header tank?

[petercp4e]

Hello Joey!
I agree with mitsudriver274 about the cg issue.
I would also like to be able to see a lower portion or corner of the tank visible so that you can check your fuel level while the helicopter is in the air. I can do this easily on my Whiplashes where a small portion of the back lower corner of the tank is visible on the left side below the canopy. I know that it might be a small detail but it makes life easier.
Thanks. Looks great so far!
Pete <:-}