Sky Gazer

Hi Guys,

What's the story with the NZ made UFO Heli Thruster?

I just came across it in the background at "Sun n Fun" on a helicopter site.

It sure looks neat and the figures are very impressive too- Compared to a Open air Magni this would seem to be an ideal cross country tourer and possibly a worthy successor to the OD ?

UFO HeliThruster FAQ

Peter

Mitch

G'Day Sky Gazer,

Adrian Stofells can shed a lot more light on the subject.

Big, roomy, good visability and heavy.

Kevin Traeger had something to do with refitting one to I believe. He told me they were slippery as!

I have seen video footage and it looks the 'ducks nut'.

However, I was interested 5 years ago and not many out there in that time. Had probs getting them to fly right initially. There were a couple fyling in OZ. One is no longer ( we lost a good bloke in Chris) and one is in Adrians 'Skunk works" aviation laboratory. There may be others in Oz but not many.

There is a Dealer for them in the US no Doc something or other, check the US forum. They call then UFO Defenders I think over there. And Last time I quizzed Doc he said they fly great now.

Adrian is refitting one in West OZ.

I hope the claimed figures are all they should be, I know the designer Mac has been trying to get it all sorted for many years now.

Cheers,

Mitch

Mitch

One other thing and this may not be correct....

I seem to recollect that when the first kit came to Oz, the boys moved the tail back a few inches. It was far to close to the prop and not effective. Mac didnt want to know about tjhe mods being made here.
It appears to me that the keel is longer and the the tail is mounted further back than the first models.

Again this is based on hearsay and my own eyeball observations. So please dont quote me.

Personally I love the look of the Helithruster and hope it becomes a major player.

Mitch.

Sky Gazer

Thanks Mitch,

That throws a different light on all the BS on the home page with regard to how they have used the experience of prior biulders and Pilots to get it right from the start with the H and V stabilizers size and position as well as the all important Thrust line.

Seems like what works great on paper needs more than a little tweaking in the real world. Lets hope they sort out the bugs and are able to offer a safe and reliable product- it sure looks the part.

Peter

El Hunga

Hello chaps,
I have an uncle that was with the Malaysian army helicopter division in New Zealand looking at the unit for me as I was also interested in purchasing it.
As you said Sky Gazer, looks good on paper but its in the real world of flying that makes a difference.
Once I have the info on flying it I will keep you updated.

El Hunga