Slow-G Flying Boat

[sgillmore]

I've been a huge fan of both my SlowStick Flying Boat (kit available from "JIMSP") and my Slow-G Autogyro (kit available from "iter") for some time. Naturally, I had to try them out together. The result is the Slow-G Flying Boat!

I worked well, but was very sensitive to even the smallest breeze. The boat weighs just a few ounces so I can only assume that the increased side area was catching some of the wind. Upwind turns were extremely challenging!

If you attempt this, expect some strange looks and/or a few questions from spectators. :)

[Scotth72]

That is super cool!
Scott

[mnowell129]

Yes, quite cool.

[rawy]

Cool ! :cool: very cool !
Nice build, looks incredible in flight, was thinking about flying autogyros fm water but couldn't believe it would work :)
pretty interested about the rotors, plans ?

Very nice !

:) rawy

[axon5ive]

Nice!

[sgillmore]

Thanks for the comments.

Rawy:

You can get more info and order the autogyro kits here:
http://www.slow-g.com

You can get more info and order the flying boat kits here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=359356

Both guys have been great to work with. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[hawaiianspork226]

very cool; got any video? i bet it looks strange in flight.... all the better lol

-David

[rumplestilskin]

sweet!

[iter]

Wow, this just blows me away! When Stacy first said he wanted to do a flying boat based on my kit, I was excited but sceptical. I can't believe how well it works. Well done!

Can't wait to see what else he'll come up with :=)

Congrats on the wonderful conversion.

Ari.

[Mud Duck]

Nice job SGillmore!! Without a doubt, wherever this aircraft flies, it grabs a lot of attention and many questions. Video should be posted in the not too distant future. Stay tuned! In the meantime, here are a couple more photos from the 2006 8th Annual JCRC (http://www.jcrc.com) Charity Float Fly.

[marty57]

Great looking flying boat. I am in the process of building my first autogyro with the same kit you used. When I saw how you had converted it into a flying boat I decided that this is what I have to do. A few questions. What size motor would you recommend for this (in terms of thrust ozs.) Also, you mentioned that turns were strange. Have you solved this problem yet. And if you haven't would you suggest that this project be left only to more advanced flyers?

[sgillmore]

Great looking flying boat. I am in the process of building my first autogyro with the same kit you used. When I saw how you had converted it into a flying boat I decided that this is what I have to do. A few questions. What size motor would you recommend for this (in terms of thrust ozs.) Also, you mentioned that turns were strange. Have you solved this problem yet. And if you haven't would you suggest that this project be left only to more advanced flyers?
I use a Himax HG2015-4166, APC 11x3.8 Slow Flyer Prop and a Kokam 11.1v, 1500mAh LiPo. It's the only brushless setup I've used on my SlowStick and it works great for me. Sorry, I'm more of a glow pilot so I really can't give you much in the way of details about the thrust ozs, etc...

The turns are only difficult when it's windy. I think the effect of the flying boat is similar to the effect floats have on a plane.

I would definitely recommend learning in this order:
1. Master the SlowStick
2. Get comfortable with the Flying Boat (w/ the stock SS wing)
3. Get very comfortable with the Slow-G autogyro (on wheels)
4. Then try the Flying Boat Autogyro on a calm day

I know this is probably a no-brainer, but don't forget to check the CG everytime you change the configuration. It's so easy to switch from one to the other that it's easy to forget. You don't want to fly the autogyro tail heavy in either configuration!

If you have any other questions, just let me know.