Adams-Wilson Hobbycopter
Adams-Wilson · United States · first flew 1958 · helicopter
The Adams-Wilson Hobbycopter (later named the Choppy) is a small, single-seat, open-framework helicopter designed for homebuilding and powered by a motorcycle engine.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 4.57 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat open-framework airframe
- Two-bladed main rotor of 6.55 m diameter
- Motorcycle engine
An open-framework single-seat helicopter with a two-bladed main rotor, powered by a motorcycle engine; engines used have included a snowmobile motor and a Rotax 503.
Specifications
- The Adams-Wilson Hobbycopter has a length of 4.57 m (15 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.55 m (21 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 137 km/h (85 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
T. G. Adams and Paul Wilson formed Adams-Wilson to market plans for a simple single-seat helicopter, and their prototype flew successfully for the first time in November 1958. It was designed to use commonly found materials and a motorcycle engine of about 50 hp.
Variants
The XH-1 was the prototype with a 34 hp Triumph motorcycle engine. The 101 was the production version sold as a kit or as plans, and the 102 was a strengthened 101 with a fibre-glass cockpit enclosure.
Where you'll see it
Plans were first marketed in 1958 and have been revised and revived by various designers since. Plans and key parts are available from Vortech of Fallston, Maryland.
Related aircraft
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