Current project, 1/8 scale AH-64D Apache

General characteristics

Data from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AH-64_Apache

• Crew: 2: pilot, CPG (co-pilot/gunner)
• Length: 58.17 ft (17.73 m) (with both rotors turning)
• Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
• Height: 12.7 ft (3.87 m)
• Disc area: 1,809.5 ft² (168.11 m²)
• Empty weight: 11,387 lb (5,165 kg)
• Loaded weight: 18,000 lb (8,000 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 21,000 lb (9,500 kg)
• Powerplant: 2× General Electric T700-GE-701 and later upgraded to T700-GE-701C & T700-GE-701D (1990-today) turboshafts, -701: 1,690 shp, -701C: 1,890 shp -701D 2,000 shp (-701: 1,260 kW, -701C: 1,490 kW) each
• Fuselage length: 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m)
• Rotor systems: 4 blade main rotor, 4 blade tail rotor in non-orthogonal alignment^[39]

Performance

• Never exceed speed: 197 knots (227 mph, 365 km/h)
• Maximum speed: 158 knots (182 mph, 293 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 143 knots (165 mph, 265 km/h)
• Combat radius: 260 nm (300 mi, 480 km)
• Ferry range: 1,024 nm (1,180 mi, 1,900 km)
• Service ceiling 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
• Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)
• Disc loading: 9.80 lb/ft² (47.90 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.18 hp/lb (310 W/kg)

Armament

• Guns: 1× M230 30x113 mm (1.18x4.45 in) cannon, 1,200 rounds
• Rockets: Hydra 70 FFAR rockets
• Missiles: combination of AGM-114 Hellfire, AIM-92 Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinde

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Just got an unfinished 1/8 scale Apache fuselage. I am going to build it. stay tune...

Here are some pictures of the fuse. The first two pictures courtesy of the previous owner




And here it is, with my 1/18 scale little brother



With a female pilot in place and the JR Vibe 90 mechanic


Just finished the tail. The assembly consist of:
- JR Vibe 90 tail gear box and control arm
- Tail shaft is Mini Titan 5mm main shaft
- Tail Rotor Holder is Trex 600
- Tail Pitch Assembly is Trex 600
- Control arm mounting is home made


... and here is the video




Got the rotor head done 11/29/08
Using T-Rex 700 Main rotor holder. Little heavy.

...with the anti-vibration on top (Not for D version), seem little too tall.


The mechanic is ready for the first test. Next to it, is a Trex-450


Video of the first test Dec. 14, 2008. With 2 X 6s battery 5300mA



Second test without fuselage


...more test



First flying test with fuselage. Jan. 2nd 2009



Finally, I got it done. Although still more detail and adjustment needed. I will continue later.
The total weight is around 24lbs, must more than I expected.

Here are some pictures.










More test at the park





More test fly with the new gear ratio. Double 115T main gear and 14T pinion
Got the main gear from here http://www.microheli.com/product_info.php?products_id=909
Precision CNC machined delrin.

Looks like the new combination works better for the motor, its cooler. Max fly duration still short, around 5min.