Gyke Update
(crossposted)
12-7, on 09 Jul 2014 - 05:34, said:
Cburg:
How is the Gyke coming along? Have any pictures?
I compiled and posted this Gyke thread (background info).
http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41112&page=2&highlight=gyke
I have the two engines, the undercarriage. I need to mount the engines and buy a rotor after I get the weight.
I have several wings I can put on it.
Most of my play time has been devoted to flying my Mosuito XET turbine...it's just so much fun that I can't spend any time on my project. I still want to get flying though.
My wife wants me to get rid of both and buy a Zenon or a knock-off.
http://www.trendak.eu/models/taurus/introduction?lang=eng
The TwistAir is basically a Gyke...as is. Throw a wing on it and your done.
http://www.trendak.eu/models/twistair
Comments
Have to say I really like the concept.... are there any significant issues with gykes? I've got around 50 hours in a B2 Squirrel, what would the conversion be like?
Yes actually there are several challenges. More than meets the eye. The only reason for a Gyke is if a person want to be able to have two aircraft types.
Gykes are a compromise…not an ideal trike and not an ideal gyro. If a person wanted one or the other it’s advisable to buy one or the other…but if you like the idea of being able to use for both, the a Gyke might make sense.
It’s generally agreed that only two approaches are viable for gyro design to ensure safety 1.) CLT (center-line –thrust like a Dominator) and 2.) BTWB (big-tail-way-back like an MTO).
The BTWB design approach is the best concept for a Gyke. A CLT undercarriage would be too high and spindly for trike purposes…but would work marginally. A BTWB readily lends itself to a Gyke application.
This thread begs the question “why have both?” People who fly both will pretty much all say that trikes are more fun than gyros in mild conditions…and gyros are more fun than trikes in strong conditions.
There also is the issue of fuel consumption and range (wings are more efficient than rotors), not to mention the “birds’ of a feather” considerations when flying with buddies.
The idea of two machines in one, the versatility, has lots of appeal. I enjoy flying rotorcraft by way of contrast, and their performance in less than ideal conditions would allow more flying here, where the number of flyable days isn't high. I've been blessed with an occupation that has allowed me to be paid to fly turbine helicopters, but I've never flown a gyro.
I've seen photos of Guy Delage's Atlantic trike, which had a BTWB. I'm not sure why he felt he needed it on his trike - possibly because he expected severe turbulence and wanted more stability than the stock trike setup provides - but my French isn't good enough too get the details.
Are CLTs offset to allow for torque/P factor?
There are no gyros flying in my area, so my appreciation for them remains one of an armchair enthusiast for the moment... sigh. I'd like to head somewhere where I could learn more and give one a fair trial.
Introduce yourself on the Welcome Mat..I'm sure somebody is near you for a demo.
http://www.rotaryforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=39
"Bunting" "Tucking" or "Powered Pitch Over" (PPO) have occurred on HTL (high-thrust line gyros with and without Horizontal stabilizers (depending on size and type). Not many of this type still flying...but there are some. They have to be flow with great care. No zooms and forward stick at the top, and PIO's can kill you in about three cycles if you don't correct immediately. Never unload the rotor!
Stay with a CLT or BTWB machine if you do it. Lots of HTL/no H-stab machines for sale cheap, but they are not safe for a beginner (or arguably for anybody).