My build story of a UH-1Y 1/6

FIrst step measure, draw 3d, assemble and adjust. Then the fuselage needs to be prepared.

The UH-1Y replaced the UH-1N Twin Huey light utility helicopters and this variant modernizes the UH-1 design. A 21-inch (530 mm) fuselage extension just forward of the main door was added for more capacity.

It means I had to cut the fuselage "just forward of the main door" and lengthen it with carbon fiber about 80mm.

It was very interesting for me to install the formation lights in a functional way.
For this I use green chip-on-board (COB) LED strips. These can be removed for later maintenance. They are all connected in parallel with an adjustable power supply unit. In this case I can adjust the brightness later.

The shape of the Tail Boom also required a special adjustment. To be able to access the exact dimensions, I bought a detailed plastic model of the Venom from Kitty Hawk.

The fuselage also had to be cut open for this purpose. The tail fin a slightly different shape compared to the kit as well.

Unfortunately I don't have the skill to build negative molds. But I bought a 3D printer specifically for this project. So I printed out the complete exhaust part with structure. It was then laminated with carbon tape and epoxy.

During the long construction phase it is a great motivation to finish some small parts.

This is a very time consuming job

The cockpit is now fully wired and working

Walk around

The idea was not just to install static or animated displays, but ones that also process current data in real time and display it accordingly.

The sensor is a cheap piezo sensor, as used in model helicopters.
Displays are OLEDs and each one is completely self-programmed with an Arduino nano.

There's still more work to do, but today she was able to get some fresh air for the first time.

Almost ready for maiden flight but first I had to finish the formation lights:

A formation light is a type of thin film electroluminescent light that assists aircraft flying in formation in low visibility environments.

After a first test run, I discovered that the temperature at the turbine outlet was unfavorably distributed. Here I was able to measure temperatures of up to 145°C on the canopy. There were even burnt spots on the base coat.

In my opinion a heat sheet (like a double pipe) should be good insulation.

Yesterday I was able to do another test after installation. The heat sheet works very well. The measured temperatures are now within an acceptable range.

Because the maiden flight is approaching, I had to think about transport. Here I simply integrated wheels onto my assembly stand. It is very easy to maneuver and the helicopter can be loaded into the trailer via a ramp without any problems. I also use the ramp because it provides a little cushioning. After it was lashed down, I was able to do the first test drive over approx. 5km. --> Test passed.

Today we had Uwe Behr from Behr-Modelltechnik with us with his 🚁Bell UH-1Y🚁, which is currently under construction. We did some fine-tuning, settings and an inspection of the special UH before the first flight. A great built model and very unique!...even the artificial horizon on the displays moves when the helicopter moves... 😁👌🏻 We would be happy to help you on your way to your first flight! 📩

#rchelicopterservice

The first layer of paint is on. Now we can start with the first many little rivets 🤦‍♂️

The underside is very suitable for practicing riveting

On the rear the decals are all finished. A matt varnish will be added later to seal it.

Most of the details are now installed on the underside. As long as he is lying on his back, the weathering can be done straight away.

Update: weathering is done

The doors are finally in place now 😰

The assembly has begun. It should be finished this weekend.

After years of development and construction, it's finally done

. Here are the first pictures in its natural habitat.

Many thanks to everyone who supported me with this:

#Silke Behr
#Frank Wedekind
#Thomas Buchheidt
#Gerd von Runke
#Toms Lee
#Dirk Kabisch
#Stefan Radau
#Heiko Fischer
#Detlef Jacobi
#Hobby exclusive RC
#Jürgen Staudt
etc.

Fascinating video with spectacular close-ups.

The helmet design is now complete and the new strap tensioners are also installed. I concealed the mechanism with lightweight walls. The remaining visible profiles were simply covered with ammunition boxes.

"The skies, the final frontier. The year is 2026. These are the construction logs of the UH-1Y, which took approximately five years to build and required a great deal of patience. Now it's time to conclude the construction phase and simply enjoy flying. This was the last logbook entry."