My (shade tree mechanics degree) says two engines in a coaxial
configuration could be interesting. :) If one engine *could*

provide

enough power to maintain altitude, couldn't you toss the need for
autorotation? I'm ASSUMING the reliability of the rotary built for
proper aircraft use.

I know something along this line has been tried by the Nolan

brothers

(two small two strokes)...I have a different twist in my head. I

need

massive help!

Thanks guys
Phil

The problem with seperate engines on a coaxial helicopter is that the

torque

differential would show up on the tail (rotor etc), and a single

engine

failure
would spin you like a top.  A more direct coupling would be in order
for that application, and I do not know if you could sustain on half
power.  maybe crash more softly? Vance

My thought was to combine the two engines through a differential, take
that one output and (though a second gearbox) power the two rotors. I
could lose one engine without the torque problem. What I'm wondering is
if I could still torque steer via a normal swash plate on *just* the
lower rotor. If the pitch changed on the lower rotor, wouldn't that
cause torque steer? It works on the little RC coaxial helicopters but
may not translate into working on a more full sized bird.

Crash more softly. :) I'm again thinking (ya, bad news) that if the
engines were "lightly" turbocharged, I might be able to maintain, or at
the least crash softly, with the added power of the running engine. :)
Sorta like the "war power mode" the WW2 fighters had.

What I want is a small, compact whirlybird that could pick up a couple
beefy guys plus baggage and fuel at higher altitudes. Top speed isn't a
big deal....100-125 mph would be fine.

Thanks for the feedback

Phil

 
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