|
from | Snelflight |
Imagine the sense of achievement when, after a few unplanned excursions into the furniture, suddenly the Hoverfly is floating in the air in front of you, rather precariously at first but with increasing confidence. Soon you are progressing from hovering and precision landings to the new challenges of nose-in flying, figures-of-eight and other exciting manoeuvres.
It is an aviation axiom that helicopters are the most difficult of aircraft to fly. In the model world many have proved the truth of this by the wreckage they have created and many more have been inhibited from even trying by the cost of conventional models and the support equipment they require.
But now the invention of the Hoverfly has opened the way for anyone who relishes a challenge to learn the art of helicopter flying at a fraction of the normal expense and with the minimum of frustrating down-time.
The Hoverfly offers by far the most economic entry into the world of helicopter flying, and is unique among small indoor models in that it handles just like its larger bretheren, which makes it superb as a training machine. Its lightness and robustness make it very "bounceable" but if the worst should happen it is easily and quickly repaired and spares prices are so low that the pocket is not strained.
Small size
- perfect for indoor flight.Realistic flying parameters
- eases transition to larger outdoor models.Precision tail control
- with a sub-miniature yaw rate demand gyroscope (Model H101).Unlimited flight duration
- without batteries, via a mains power unit and a thin, unobtrusive command line.Simple and robust mechanics
- the brains are in the Electrocyclic collective-cyclic control and the electronic rate gyro.Easy and economic repairs
- all parts available from the UK manufacturer - Snelflight.R/C transmitter-friendly
- operates from standard TXs with minimum of four channels and trainer socket. (Not included.)Ready to fly
- with 240v power unit, Electrocyclic control processor, training undercarriage, decal kit, connecting leads and instructions. (Models H100, H101)Helicopter
- available separately (see models H---XX , details below)."What the papers say....."
"... flies exactly like a conventional (model) helicopter ... seeing is believing ..." Aviation Modeller International, February 2000
"... extremely bounceable ..." BMFA News, February 2000
"Dream Machine" "... amazed at the stability of the model and its very smooth response ..."
Model Flyer, January 2000
See below for a package including Hoverfly and
transmitter. The transmitter
currently available from Snelflight includes:
You can pay a lot for more transmitters: some come bundled with receivers,
servos etc., and some have lots of fancy computerised features and more
channels. None of that is needed for Hoverfly.
Transmitters
Suitable transmitters are available from most R/C model shops.
Ask for one with four channels and a trainer socket.
For Hoverfly, you won't need the crystal, receiver, servos etc.
Transmitters have two joystick controls and are usually battery powered.
They can be used to control cars, boats, and radio controlled aircraft,
as well as Hoverfly.
To use this with a radio controlled model you would just need to plug in a
crystal, (not included).
Suggested Selling Prices (inc VAT)
H101 | Hoverfly with Gyro complete, with Electrocyclic controller, power supply, signal leads | £195.00 |
H101XX | Hoverfly (model and command line), with Gyro. | £125.00 |
H100 | Hoverfly complete, with Electrocyclic controller, power supply, signal leads | £169.95 |
H100XX | Hoverfly (model and command line) | £99.95 |
G100 | Gyro (Upgrade) | £35.50 |
The most popular model - H101 complete with Gyro stabiliser:
Normally £195, for S&W staff only £147 including VAT
** Complete package from Snelflight **
Includes H101, transmitter, nicad battery and charger:
Normally £247, for S&W staff only £199 including VAT
Snelflight Ltd, Churchill House, 57 Jubilee Road, Waterlooville, Hants. PO7 7RF
Yes - the previous S&W site in Waterlooville!
Telephone: 023 9225 8999, Fax: 023 9225 1333
You can collect from the factory, or arrange with Violet Snell @ Durford for free delivery to S&W sites.
We shall be delighted to demonstrate the Hoverfly in action, but please
give us a ring first.
Click here for a full spares price list.
Post/packing £1.50, except items marked (*) £4.50, or collect from the factory.
Snelflight can sell this to S&W staff at a trade price of £89.99, compared
to the manufacturer's suggested selling price of £109.95. This special price includes:
Alternatively, Roderick is happy to lend people a copy, (plus the
required dongle), to help them get going with their Hoverfly.
This zip file contains the CSM software. Expand
this to C:\, (keeping the directory structure). You will also need a dongle,
transmitter, and connecting lead.
Click here for more information about the CSM simulator.
Spare parts
Hoverfly is very tough, but accidents do happen.
A full range of spares is always available at very modest prices.
Training and simulation on a PC
Many people find it helpful to start with a PC simulation, using the
same transmitter, (i.e. joystick controls), and a special PC helicopter
simulation program made by a company called "CSM". This comes
with aerodynamically accurate simulations of various model helis, including
the Snelflight Hoverfly. People who have learned to fly the simulation
can normally fly a Hoverlfy first time!
More information