I recently bought a used E-Flite Blade CX from a member of the RC Groups forums because I wanted something simple to help
me train nose-in flight without expensive crashes. The Blade CX is a coaxial helicopter, meaning it has two
counter-rotating main rotors (no tail rotor) making it extremely stable and easy to fly.A single-rotor R/C helicopter
consists of a main and tail rotor. The 2 rotors work together to control the stability and maneuverability of the
helicopter. Many pilots who are proficient in flying a dual-rotor or coaxial rotor R/C helicopters find single-rotor
models a little different.
I've been playing around a lot with my Blade CP so flying the Blade CX took some getting used to. Since there is no tail
rotor on the CX you don't have to counter the natural spin of the heli, something you constantly have to stay on top of
with the Blade CP. I found my left hand unconsciously manipulating the stick when I didn't have to.
Hovering is simple and practically hands-off, especially when you adjust the trim. The heli is surprisingly maneuverable
with the single swash plate design, much more so than your typical "toy" heli from Radio Shack. The only time you will be
frusterated is when you fly quickly forward or backward and decide to reverse direction. Odds are the blades will come
into contact with each other or just plain loose their "bite" on the air. I believe a higher headspeed would help
tremendously. The CX will also have trouble getting air and/or maintaining stability when there is a breeze outside. A
single-rotor R/C helicopter consists of a main and tail rotor. The 2 rotors work together to control the stability and
maneuverability of the helicopter. Many pilots who are proficient in flying a dual-rotor or coaxial rotor R/C helicopters
find single-rotor models a little different.
Overall I really enjoy the Blade CX. It's small and easy enough to fly in confined areas such as a house (though it is
LOUD), and nimble enough to keep you and others entertained for hours. Battery life on the stock batteries is a
respectable 10-12 minutes, just enough not to cramp your hands. I would suggest "venting" the canopy as the two main
motors do get very hot after a few minutes of flight.
If you are new to R/C helicopters, do yourself a favor and purchase a Blade CX to get yourself started. The skills will
translate decently to a CCPM helicopter such as the Blade CP and save you a great deal of cash with the inevitable
crashes.
Chris is an avid R/C Helicopter enthusiast who details all of his experiences in the hopes that it will help novices get
into this great hobby with minimal headaches. You can see more R/C helicopter articles by
visiting Chris's personal website
Source: Hobbies Articles on ArticlesTree.comA single-rotor R/C helicopter consists of a main and tail rotor. The 2 rotors
work together to control the stability and maneuverability of the helicopter. Many pilots who are proficient in flying a
dual-rotor or coaxial rotor R/C helicopters find single-rotor models a little different.