HK Auto Gyro Build Mods and Flights
Out of curiosity, I got the original HK Auto Gyro to see what it was all about and initally moded only the tail section to make it removable (for storage and travel). During the initial maiden flights, I ripped apart three blades, tore the blade hub and whacked the rudder several times - so I decided there were several mods that needed to be done.
The stock blades (mostly foam and plastic) were replaced by HK Cierva blades - longer but made of wood and covered - definitely stronger that the originals. The blade hub was replaced by a DIY piece constructed from 1/8" white PVC plastic and the main gear (3mm hole size) GWS geared motor set up.
I initially had two holes on the blade to hold the blades - the outer with 3mm screws and locking nut and the inner with nylon zip ties. After several crashes, the zip ties were cut (as expected) but the blades functioned even WITHOUT the zip ties - like a heli - clue number one. So now I had a sturdy hub and stronger blades that could be folded.
I have no concrete runway and the AG needed ROG take-off - not good. The small wheels made take-off almost impossible so the next order of business was replacing the wheels with the biggest ones I had ... so now I have a STOL Auto Gyro.
Last but probably the most important, I got the self spinning attachment from HK (was on sale of course) which spelled night and day for this model as far as flyability for me was concerned.
Nevertheless, I still had to learn several important points about this model. Getting the CG was hit and miss for me and the only way I got it to fly was trial and error (and three stock blades). Face the model into the wind otherwise It will only tip over. Do not turn off the rotor motors - as least after my blade modes, the blades DO NOT auto rotate fast enough and the motors need to remain on for flight.
A very important point I had to discover is that this model flies like a helicopter. Use the yaw to change directions. Use the tilt control to correct side to side attitude but cannot be used to turn the model - cannot. When turning, mixing tilt to improve the turn by making the model bank specially when moving fast - but I don't fly fast anyway. So I wrap my head head around flying a 500 size heli - which works great.